Slow Foxtrot - Natural Turn

To finish the short sequence of steps that we have been explaining in the last few posts, the next step often learned in Slow Foxtrot is a Natural Turn.

Again, Ladies, the heel turn comes into play here! Remember, this movement takes practice and a lot of repetition before it starts to feel 'natural' so stick with it and don't cheat by turning it into a normal step.



Leaders'/Men's Footwork


After your Three Step, you are now facing Diagonal Wall. (You can also do a Natural Turn if you are facing LOD.)Your Three Step has brought you back in line with your partner so your first step onto your Right foot should still be in line with her.  As your partner goes into her heel turn, you step with your Left foot to the side, swinging yourself as much around your partner as possible, then continue a little bit of turn as you step back on your Right. (Slow, Quick, Quick). Getting around your partner is important as your partner will be pulled/pushed off of her heel turn if you don't get around her on your own.

You have one more step backwards with your Left foot before stepping a small step to the side and pulling your Left foot along with it (this is called a heel pull). The final step is taken forward on your Left foot - at which point you are now facing Diagonal Centre. The rhythm here changes; it is now Slow, Slow,Slow.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

As you finished the Three Step Backing Diagonal Wall, that is where you are going to begin this step. (It can also be done starting Backing LOD.) Step back on your Left foot then bring your Right foot together with your Left as you turn (Heel Turn) to face the LOD. Bring the weight onto the balls of your feet (without rising) and step forward onto your Left foot continuing the turn slightly. (Slow, Quick, Quick) The step coming forward out of your heel turn should once again go between your partner's legs - do not try to step outside of him at this stage.

You then have one step forward on your Right foot, a step to the side on your Left foot, and a step back with your Right foot - having tracked the foot underneath you before stepping back. The rhythm for this section changes and becomes Slow, Slow, Slow.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

 - The first step that the Lady takes after her heel turn should come straight forward between the Gent's legs. This is only possible if she has completed the turn - not overturned - and feels that her partner is far enough around her that she wont step on him! Gents, if you do not get far enough around your partner on the Side step (your second step), she will not be able to do this properly.... get around her and help her out, please!