A waltz is the traditional formal dance performed during many quinceañera celebrations.
The dance is often presented by the quinceañera with her court, and a separate father-daughter or family dance may follow. In Spanish, the dance is commonly called vals, the word for waltz. Choreography can range from a traditional ballroom sequence to a highly rehearsed modern routine.
The waltz tradition reflects European ballroom influence on formal celebrations in Latin America. It does not mean every quinceañera uses only classical ballroom music. Families frequently add popular Latin music, contemporary songs, or regional styles to the program.
A waltz is distinct from the court itself and from the broader event. The court may be called a corte de honor, while the dance is one performance within the celebration. Regional customs and modern preferences can change the order and style.