A waltz is often performed first by the quinceañera and her father.
The father-daughter waltz is a formal reception tradition in many quinceañera celebrations. The quinceañera may then dance with other members of her family or court, turning the opening dance into a carefully rehearsed presentation.
The waltz became associated with elite European ballroom culture and later entered many Latin American ceremonial traditions. In a quinceañera, it commonly represents family support and the public presentation of the celebrant.
Not every quinceañera includes a waltz, and modern families frequently substitute another style or create a choreographed group performance. Salsa and tango may appear at a reception, but they are not the standard name for the traditional opening dance.