A waltz is traditionally associated with the formal opening of many quinceañera receptions.
The celebrant may perform a choreographed waltz with members of her court of honor, family members, or both. The dance gives the reception a ceremonial beginning and highlights the celebrant before the party shifts to more informal dancing. In some families, the dance is called the vals, the Spanish word commonly used for waltz.
There is no single choreography shared by every quinceañera. Dance styles and music depend on regional customs, family preference, and the celebrant’s interests. Some modern events replace a traditional waltz with a contemporary routine, a medley, or several different dances.
The waltz is therefore a common tradition rather than a legal or religious requirement. It also differs from the religious portion that some families include before the reception. The formal dance belongs principally to the social celebration.