The sounds of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's “Waltz of the Flowers” have become a holiday standard, but this family favorite began as a dance of rebellion, embraced by teens and sneered at by parents.

The Waltz is a smooth dance, with gentle, flowing movements, a memorable 1-2-3 rhythm, and a distinctive ‘rise and fall’ action. In its early years the Waltz caused outrage. It was called the ...