A waltz is traditionally performed as the formal opening dance at many quinceañera receptions.
The dance is often presented by the quinceañera with her court of honor. It may be carefully rehearsed and performed after the entrance or formal presentation. In Spanish, the dance is commonly called a vals, a word derived from the Germanic dance tradition that also gave English its “waltz.”
The waltz’s formal style fits the ceremony’s emphasis on presentation, family, and a transition into a new stage of life. Some families also include a father-daughter dance or other dances that carry personal meaning.
A waltz is traditional, not mandatory. Contemporary celebrations may feature regional Latin dances, popular music, choreographed medleys, or no formal dance at all. The term vals can refer to the music or dance, so “waltz” is the standard English answer.