Did the waltz originate in europe?

The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance, normally in triple time, performed primarily in closed position. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "waltz" first appeared in English in the mid-18th century referring to a dance done in 3/4 time. The French word "valse" and the German word "walzer" are also cognates with the English word. Early waltzes were in duple time, but by the 19th century the most popular form was the waltz in triple time. The name "waltz" comes from the German word walzen which means "to roll, to glide, or to turn." The waltz originated in Europe, most likely in Austria or Germany, in the late 17th or early 18th century. It then spread quickly to other parts of Europe and to the United States. There are many different theories about how the waltz originated, but the most likely explanation is that it developed from other folk dances such as the ländler and the volkstänze. The waltz is characterized by its flowing, elegant movements and is danced to music in 3/4 time. The waltz became extremely popular in the 19th century, especially in the ballrooms of Vienna and other Austrian cities. It was also popular in the United States, where it was often danced to Ragtime music. The waltz is still popular today, and is danced all over the world.