Waltz – Basic 18 Steps

 

This script details basic dance steps, technique and figures suitable for beginners in Waltz.


Abbreviations:  L = Left, R = Right,  LF = Left foot, RF = Right Foot PP = promenade position

                           LOD = Line of dance, DW = Diagonal Wall, DC = Diagonal Centre, Fwd = forward

                           H = Heel, HT = Heel then toe, TH = Toe then heel, T = Toe,

    IE = inside Edge of ball of foot

 

Timing:  Waltz music has 3 beats to the bar and the basic steps can be described as a forward or

               backward step followed by a side close, where the body weight is transferred on to the

               closing foot. However, to create greater expression think of holding on to the second beat

               a little longer such that it doesn’t end until the feet are closed.  Side closes on beat 2 can

               then be executed as follows:

 

  First  –  place IE of foot in correct position,

  Then – start to transfer body weight allowing foot to roll over onto the ball as weight is

              being transferred,
              Then – when weight is more than half way over the side step start to close the other foot.

            Remember to keep the closing foot lightly in contact with the floor and continue to

            rise onto the toes until the foot is fully closed and the weight fully transferred.  

              

   On the shortened beat 3 we then only have to remember to transfer body weight onto the

   closing foot as we lower the heel ready for the stronger drive into the next beat 1.  

   For simplicity this elongation of beat 2 has not been shown in the figures listed below.


Summary (Steps)

LF Closed Change (1-3)
Natural Turn (4-9)
RF Closed Change (10-12)
Reverse Turn (13-18)


LF Closed Change

Start in normal hold man facing DW

Man:

LF Fwd (HT)

RF side and slightly Fwd (IE-T)

LF close on toes then lower onto heel (TH)

Lady:

RF back (TH)

LF side and slightly back (IE-T)

RF close on toes then lower onto heel (TH)

Natural Turn  (A turn clockwise or to the right)


Start with man facing, lady backing DW.      

 

Man:

1. RF Fwd to DW starting to turn body R (HT)                      

2. LF side (large step) across LOD to back DC (IE-T)    

3. Continue turning R on ball of LF and close RF to LF

    to back LOD (TH)

4. LF back down LOD toe turned in (TH)

5. RF side (small step) on same LOD pointing toe to

    DC body now faces centre (T)      

6. Close LF to RF turning body to DC (TH)   

 

Lady:

1. LF back to DW starting to turn body R (TH)          

2. RF to side (small step) pointing toe to LOD (T)    

3. Close LF to RF turning body to face LOD (TH)

4. RF Fwd down LOD starting to turn body R (HT)   

5. LF side (large step) turning body to face wall  (IE-T)    

6. Continue turning R on ball of LF and close RF to LF

    to back DW  (TH)   

RF Closed Change

As above but starts Man’s RF & Lady’s LF

 

 

Reverse Turn (A turn anti-clockwise or to the left)

Start with man facing, lady backing DC.

Man                                                                             Lady

1. LF Fwd to DC starting to turn body L (HT)             1. RF back to DC starting to turn body L (TH)

2. RF side (large step) to back DW (IE-T)                 2. LF side (small step) pointing DW (T)

3. Close LF to RF to back LOD (TH)                          3. Close RF to LF to face LOD (TH)

4. RF back down LOD toe turned in (TH)                   4. LF Fwd down LOD (HT)

5. LF side (small step) pointing DW (T)                     5. RF side (large step) to face centre (IE-T)

6. Close RF to LF turning to face DW (TH)                6. Close LF to RF turning to back DW