A waltz commonly begins the formal dance portion of a traditional quinceañera.
The quinceañera may enter with her court of honor and perform a choreographed waltz, often called the vals. The dance presents the honoree to guests and creates one of the most recognizable formal moments of the celebration.
The honoree may then dance with her father or another significant family member. In some families, additional relatives or members of the court join later. Contemporary celebrations frequently add modern routines, including pop, hip-hop, or regional Latin dances after the traditional waltz.
The waltz is customary, not mandatory. Some families choose a different dance, shorten the formal program, or hold a fully secular party without a ceremonial presentation. The term vals is also used for the dance itself in Spanish-speaking communities, although the music and choreography can vary considerably.