Which dance associated with southern Germany and Austria emphasizes the downbeat, includes an intro and coda, and is typically fast?

• A. Waltz
• B. Appoggiatura
• C. Mazurka
• D. Mambo

Answer: (A)

A waltz is a dance in triple time where the first beat is the strongest, giving that distinctive downbeat pulse dancers ride—one, two, three, one, two, three. In southern Germany and Austria, especially in Vienna, the waltz became a staple ballroom dance, often structured with an introduction to set the mood and a concluding coda to wrap things up. The tempo is generally brisk, which gives it that fast, flowing feel on the dance floor. The other options aren’t matches: an appoggiatura is a melodic ornament, not a dance; a mazurka is a Polish dance with accents typically on a different beat and a more folk character; a mambo is a 4/4 Latin dance with syncopation.