The waltz traditionally opens the formal dancing portion of many quinceañera receptions.
The celebrant often performs a choreographed waltz with members of her court of honor and sometimes with her father or another important relative. The dance gives the reception a formal centerpiece and allows the family to present the quinceañera to guests.
Music and choreography vary widely. Some families use a traditional waltz, while others combine the waltz with contemporary pop, Latin dance, or a medley. The formal dance may be rehearsed for weeks, especially when the court is large or the routine includes several sections.
The waltz is a customary feature, not a universal rule. A family may choose another dance style or skip a choreographed performance entirely. The important distinction is between the formal presentation dance and the later open dancing, where guests usually participate more freely.