International Ballroom Slow Waltz
Time Signature is 3/4. Each Step equal one beat. Barr is counted 123 - 223 - 323 - 423 - 523 - 623 - 723 - 823. First Barr is Strongest Beat and Fifth Barr second strongest, with third and seventh following.
1. Closed Changes
The Closed Change is one of the first movements dancers learn when beginning Slow Waltz. It allows partners to transition smoothly between different turning actions while staying in a classic closed hold.
What is Natural and Reverse? Natural is rotation to the Right and Reverse is turning to the Left.
Closed Change from Natural to Reverse:
Leader: Right Foot Forward - Left Foot to the side and slightly forward - Right Foot close to the Left Foot. Follower: Left Foot Back - Right Foot to side and slightly back - Left Foot close to Right Foot.
Closed Change from Reverse to Natural:
Leader: Left Foot Forward - Right Foot side and slightly forward - Left Foot close to the Right Foot. Follower: Right Foot Back - Left Foot to the side and slightly back - Right Foot close to the Left Foot.
Although simple in appearance, this step builds essential skills such as timing, posture, and connection between partners. It lays the groundwork for all future waltz figures and helps dancers move confidently across the floor from the very beginning.
2. Natural Turn
The Natural Turn is a right-rotating figure that introduces the flowing, circular motion characteristic of the waltz. It is one of the most frequently used steps in ballroom dance.
Through this movement, dancers begin to develop rise and fall, body rotation, and continuous motion, all of which are key elements of elegant waltz dancing.
3. Reverse Turn
The Reverse Turn rotates to the left and complements the Natural Turn. Learning to alternate between these directions is essential for navigating the dance floor smoothly.
This step helps dancers improve control, coordination, and spatial awareness, especially when moving in a shared ballroom environment.
4. Natural Spin Turn
The Natural Spin Turn introduces a more dynamic rotation, combining turning and pivoting actions into one continuous movement.
It develops balance, stability, and stronger partner communication, while adding a more expressive and powerful look to the dance.
5. Whisk
The Whisk transitions the couple into promenade position, where both partners move forward in the same direction with a slight opening of the frame.
This figure introduces a new visual shape and helps dancers learn how to change positions smoothly without losing connection or balance.
6. Chassé from Promenade Position
The Chassé from Promenade Position continues movement out of promenade with a light, traveling action.
With its side-close-side rhythm, this step improves coordination, rhythm awareness, and flow across the floor, while adding variety to the dance.
7. Closed Impetus
The Closed Impetus is a turning figure that allows the couple to change direction efficiently, often featuring a heel turn for the follower.
It plays an important role in building control, precision, and smooth directional changes, especially in more advanced sequences.
8. Hesitation Change
The Hesitation Change introduces a controlled pause within the flowing rhythm of the waltz.
This moment of stillness enhances musical expression, balance, and timing, giving dancers the ability to shape the dance rather than simply move through it.
9. Outside Change
The Outside Change is used to transition into or out of outside partner position, where one partner steps slightly to the outside of the other.
This figure strengthens alignment, accuracy, and lead-and-follow clarity, making it an essential connecting step in many waltz combinations.
10. Reverse Corté
The Reverse Corté is a shaping figure that creates a soft, dramatic line within the flow of the waltz. It slightly lowers the movement and introduces a feeling of suspension before continuing.
This step helps dancers develop control, body shaping, and expressive movement, adding depth and elegance to their dancing.
11. Back Whisk
The Back Whisk is a variation of the whisk action, danced while moving backward. It still leads into promenade position but with a different dynamic and direction.
This figure improves coordination and adaptability, helping dancers stay balanced while transitioning smoothly through space.
12. Basic Weave
The Basic Weave is a traveling figure where partners move in a flowing, interwoven pattern.
It teaches dancers how to blend rotation with forward progression, creating a continuous and seamless look across the floor.
13. Double Reverse Spin
The Double Reverse Spin is a compact and technically precise turning figure, often considered one of the more challenging Bronze steps.
It develops precision, balance, and strong partner coordination, especially through controlled rotation and foot placement.
14. Reverse Pivot
The Reverse Pivot is a turning action performed on one foot, allowing a quick change of direction.
This step builds stability, core control, and smooth transitions, making it an important connecting movement between figures.
15. Back Lock
The Back Lock introduces a crossing action while moving backward, creating a tighter and more controlled movement.
It enhances foot precision, balance, and coordination, especially when dancing in crowded conditions.
16. Progressive Chassé to Right
The Progressive Chassé to Right is a smooth traveling step that uses a side-close-side action.
It helps dancers develop rhythm, flow, and directional movement, making it a useful figure for covering space on the floor.
17. Weave from Promenade Position
The Weave from Promenade Position begins from an open shape and transitions into a flowing weave pattern.
This figure improves continuity of movement and advanced coordination, linking open and closed positions seamlessly.
18. Closed Telemark
The Closed Telemark is a turning figure that ends in a closed position after a smooth directional change.
It emphasizes controlled rotation and partner connection, making it a key step in developing refined technique.
19. Open Telemark & Cross Hesitation
This combination blends an open turning action with a shaped pause.
It enhances musical expression, balance, and visual styling, allowing dancers to create a more artistic performance.
20. Open Telemark & Wing
The Open Telemark & Wing creates a flowing entry into a wing position, where partners form a distinctive aligned shape.
This step develops body control, shaping, and advanced positioning, contributing to a more polished look.
21. Open Impetus & Cross Hesitation
This figure combines a turning action with a controlled hesitation.
It builds balance, timing, and expressive phrasing, helping dancers move with greater musical awareness.
22. Open Impetus & Wing
The Open Impetus & Wing flows into a long, stretched position that highlights the couple’s line.
It strengthens extension, posture, and visual presentation, key elements of higher-level ballroom dancing.
23. Outside Spin
The Open Impetus & Wing flows into a long, stretched position that highlights the couple’s line.
It strengthens extension, posture, and visual presentation, key elements of higher-level ballroom dancing.
24. Turning Lock
The Turning Lock combines rotation with a locking foot action.
It improves speed, control, and directional changes, making it a valuable step in competitive routines.
25. Left Whisk
The Left Whisk is a more advanced variation of the whisk, danced to the opposite side.
It enhances balance and versatility, allowing dancers to explore different shapes and directions.
26. Contra Check
The Left Whisk is a more advanced variation of the whisk, danced to the opposite side.
It enhances balance and versatility, allowing dancers to explore different shapes and directions.
27. Closed Wing
The Closed Wing transitions into a compact wing position while maintaining a closed connection.
It refines precision, alignment, and subtle shaping, contributing to a more sophisticated appearance.
28. Turning Lock to Right
This figure adds direction and speed to the Turning Lock by emphasizing rightward rotation.
It strengthens control during faster movements, while maintaining smooth flow.
29. Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot
This advanced combination blends a falling-away action with a pivoting turn.
It builds precision, timing, and seamless transitions, requiring strong technique and coordination between partners.
30. Hover Corté
The Hover Corté is a floating, elevated figure that creates a sense of suspension.
It enhances lightness, control, and visual elegance, making it a beautiful finishing or highlight movement.