Tango - Natural Twist Turn

Starting from Promenade Position, this step is a good one for playing around with the dynamics of Tango as the man's rhythm is slightly different to the lady's - but both still work together to complete the step.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

In Promenade Position, with your weight on your Right foot and your Left foot extended to the side (knees bent, knees, hips, and bellybuttons still to your partner, only your Left shoulder opened slightly to the LOD), take your first step with your Left foot moving along the LOD. Continue moving along LOD as you bring your Right foot forward and across in Promenade Position and CBMP. (You should be really twisted up at this point!) (Slow, Quick)

Untwist to step side onto your Left foot, getting as far around your partner as possible and blocking her forward movement. Your body will likely be backing Diagonal Centre at this point. As you cross your Right foot behind your left (toe only) you should continue the turn and be Backing LOD. (Quick, Slow)

With your weight on your Right foot primarily, untwist until your legs are side by side and then continue the turn on your Right leg but carry your Left with it so that you end up in Promenade Position where you started! Obviously you dont actually have any steps here, but the followers do... so the count in which you should complete this is Quick, Quick. (I know it looks messy... but you try drawing a movement that the foot stays in place but turns!)

Followers'/Ladies' Footwork

Starting in Promenade position, you have your weight on your Left foot with your Right foot lightly resting on the ground to the side whilst your knees, hips, and belly button  are facing your partner, you open your Right shoulder slightly down the line of dance and turn your head to the right. Step off on your Right foot and then take another step down LOD with your Left foot which will put you in CBMP and promenade position at the same time - prepare to twist! On the next step, your partner will take a step which puts his body blocking you but it is important that your step still goes straight forward - which should mean that you step directly between his legs. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Then it is as if you are walking around him. Keep your upper body turned towards him and use him as the centre of your circle as you take two steps (Left, Right) forward and around him. (Slow, Quick) The third step (Left foot) is to the side to end up back where you started, in Promenade position - be sure to transfer your weight AND change your body direction into PP on this last step... and all on a Quick count!

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Guys, your turn and bringing the Left leg around without weight, whilst keeping your balance and centre strength.... will take practice. Try to get this movement as smooth as possible. Ladies, you are still moving while the guys turn... try not to walk too far away from them or you may pull them off balance.

Tango - Progressive Side Step Reverse Turn

As the Progressive Side Step Reverse Turn starts facing Diagonal Centre for the man, I have added two walks on to the beginning of the figure to allow you to curve yourself into the appropriate starting angle. These are not technically part of this step, however, we haven't really looked at any steps which would naturally have you end DC.

Remember that in Tango, all steps should be done with flexed knees and that there is a natural curve to the Left in most figures. 


Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Starting Diagonal Wall with the two walks forward on your Left then Right feet, you should curve these walks more than you are used to in order to end up facing Diagonal Centre. Continue to curve as you take a third step forward - on your Left foot in CBMP. (Slow, Slow) Your next step is the one that gives this step its name as you step side and slightly back with your Right foot. (In the diagram, this looks like side and slightly forward, however, remember you have transferred your weight onto the Left foot during the third step - so the right foot has already been tracking underneath you and moves side and slightly back compared to where the Left foot currently is. It is not in relation to where the Right foot WAS.) Continue turning during this side step as well so that as you step forward again with your Left foot, you are almost facing Against the LOD. (Quick, Quick, Slow)

You have one more step forward (still curving) on your Right foot before rocking back onto your Left foot, forward onto your Right, and back onto your Left again.(Slow, Quick, Quick)

To finish, you have four steps which are essentially a Back Corte. Take a smallish step back onto your Left foot (pulling your left side back at the same time) and then another step back on your Right foot - leaving your shoulders where they were so that you are in CBMP (this step begins to turn you back towards facing Diagonal Wall - which means that the step itself is Diagonal Centre). Next, take a side step with your Left foot (your toes should be pointing Diagonal Wall but your body isnt there yet) and close your Right foot to your Left to finish facing Diagonal Wall. (Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Because of our added two steps at the beginning of this figure, you begin backing Diagonal Wall. The first two steps are taken, Right and then Left, stepping backwards and curving in towards the centre of the room. Take one more step back on your Right - this will be in CBMP. The next step is to the side and slightly forward on your Left foot, before taking another step backwards on your Right to face Against LOD. (Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow)

Take one more step backwards - on your Left foot - then rock forward onto your Right and back again onto the Left. These rocks should be done along the LOD. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Then finish the step with what is essentially a Back Corte. Step forward on your Right foot with your Right side leading, forwards again on your Left in CBMP, side with your Right foot to Back Diagonal Wall and then close your Left foot to your Right. (Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow)

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- The angles here are the ones given in the technique book. While you are first learning this, do not worry too much about where you are facing in the middle of the step as long as you start and finish at the right alignments. Once you have the feel of the step, then you can go back and try to get the angles more precise.

- Gents, remember that your lady needs to get around you on steps 11 and 12, so help her out by not taking a huge side step!

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!

Slow Foxtrot - Three Step

Following your Reverse Turn, the most likely thing that you will do, is a Three Step. Much like its name, it is comprised of three steps and is similar to the Feather Step in that regard. Unlike the Feather Step, the Three Step does not go outside partner.

We begin this step facing/backing Diagonal Wall (where we finished the Reverse Turn).


Leaders'/Men's Footwork



Starting with your Right foot, you have three steps, (R,L,R) forward and in line with your partner. There is a sway in the upper body lifting the right side forward and up which helps you get back in front of her after the end of the Reverse Turn. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork


This, like the Feather Step, for the Lady is a fairly simple step. You have three steps backwards (Left, Right, Left) with no foot rise. You partner is in line with you and you have sway which pulls your left side back and up. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Don't forget that this is Ballroom. Gents, take forward steps with heels first, and Ladies, release the toes of your front foot as you transfer weight back onto the step you have just taken.

Slow Foxtrot - Reverse Turn

Following on from the Feather Step last explained, the next commonly used step in Slow Foxtrot is a Reverse Turn.

This is the first time that the follower will be doing one of the staples of the Slow Foxtrot as far as the follower is concerned - the Heel Turn! Ladies, this will take 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.

Remember, this dance is characterised by the fact that the feet almost always pass my each other - so it should move and get its fluidity from this.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


As you are still facing Diagonal Centre after your Feather Step, that is where this step also begins. You are currently on the outside of your partner, so the first step onto your Left foot should aim to get you back in line with her. As your partner goes into her heel turn, you step with your right foot to the side, swinging yourself as much around your partner as possible to end up facing the wall to your left as you step back on your Left. (Slow, Quick, Quick). This 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 Right foot before stepping side and slightly forward on your Left foot to point Diagonally to Wall. Then one more step forward (in CBMP) with your Right foot - this is outside your partner. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

As you finished the Feather Step Backing Diagonal Centre, that is where you begin this step. Step back on your Right foot then bring your left foot together with your Right foot 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 Right foot. (Slow, Quick, Quick) This third step should 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 Left foot, a step to the side on your Right foot, and a step back with your Left foot in CBMP. (This IS outside partner... but it is up to Him to make that happen, not you!) (Slow, Quick, Quick)

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!

Slow Foxtrot - Feather Step

One of the most beautiful, and sometimes most challenging, of the Ballroom dances is the Slow Foxtrot. Although it shares part of its name with the Social Foxtrot, it should not be thought of as the same dance.

Unlike most of the other Ballroom dances, it is very rare in the Slow Foxtrot that you will bring your feet together (other than in heel turns for the lady). Throughout this dance, you should try to create a sweeping and swaying movement which covers a Lot of the floor and which uses the momentum of the couple to naturally link one move to the next.

Also unlike any of the other dances we have looked at, the Slow Foxtrot will usually start with the leader facing diagonally into the centre of the room.  This is where we are going to start with the step breakdowns, and though teachers may choose to focus on the Feather Step and Three Step together before adding the Reverse or Natural Turns into the mix, the next few posts will look at each step I have just mentioned in the order that you would typically put them together and as if you have just completed the previous.

Depending on the technique book you look at, there are "extra steps" that technically may also be included in each of these steps, however, as I am essentially stringing them together, these extra steps (which are essentially the beginning of a new step) have generally been left off.



Leaders'/Men's Footwork

The Feather step, as mentioned, starts with you facing diagonally into the centre of the room. This step is comprised of three forward steps: one in line with your partner and two slightly outside. Begin with your Right foot forward in line with your partner (Slow). Then, step forward but slightly out to the left with your Left foot - Left side leading (Quick). Lastly, step forward, outside your partner with your Right foot in CBMP.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

For you, this step is fairly simple footwork-wise. You have three steps backwards! The tricky things are allowing your upper body to sway from the waist up without affecting your feet and making sure that you have No Foot Rise. You start with your Left foot backwards, follow with the Right foot back, and then the Left. (Slow, Quick, Quick)

Notes for both the Leader and Follower:


- Followers, your partner will be outside you to your Right for two of the steps, so you must ensure that you are not ending up in his armpit - turn your shoulders to remain parallel with his. Leaders, make sure that you actually have your Left Side Leading as mentioned above - turning your shoulders but not your hips as you step outside your partner.

- Gentlemen, you have foot rise, but the Ladies do not. Ladies, all rise must be "Body Rise" which happens within the waist and ribcage - just like taking a deep breath in and lifting from your collar bone. So gentlemen should not over do their rise.

Quickstep - Running Finish

A nice way to finish off the last quickstep sequence we looked at, which finished with the Leader backing LOD (it can also be danced when the Leader starts Backing Diagonal Wall) is the Running Finish. The key to this step is in its name. It should feel like a run! When danced properly, it has a great feel to it that gives you momentum - which in Quickstep is what it is all about!

The diagrams below show Back Lock, and then Running Finish. (Only the Running Finish is counted as it is the only thing actually explained in the step breakdowns.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


In this case you are starting Backing LOD (this step can also be done on other alignments), and it is three quick and simple steps. Start by stepping backwards onto your Left foot. Opening your body to the right, step side onto your Right foot and then continue the body movement to step forward (most likely facing Diagonal Wall of New LOD) - wihch means that your Left side is leading. My preferred counting for this is Quick, Quick, Slow; though it is also correct to do Slow, Quick, Quick - to me this breaks the momentum at the beginning and makes it a little trickier to get around.


The next step after this will be outside partner, but can take you into any other Natural figure.


Follower's/Lady's Footwork


For once the Lady is facing LOD at the beginning of a step. Start by stepping forward with your Right foot. Step side onto your Left foot as you feel your partner begin to turn and then backwards onto your Right foot. It is worth noting that at this point, your right shoulder is also pulled back. As mentioned above, my preferred counting for this step is Quick, Quick, Slow, however, it is also correct to dance it Slow, Quick, Quick.


Notes for the Leader and Follower:


- The sway in this movement is what really gives it the nice rush of momentum that you should be aiming to achieve. Guys, you are swaying to the Left on the second and third steps, therefore, Ladies, you are to the Right.

Quickstep - 1-3 Natural and Back Lock

If you have not already looked at the basic Lock Step in Quickstep, I recommend you practice that before this sequence.

This step essentially takes the dancing couple into a lock step in the reverse direction to what they are each usually moving (the Lead is going backwards while the Follow is moving forwards) and in order to get them in that position, we are using the first three steps of a Natural Turn.


Leaders'/Men's Footwork


Starting facing Diagonal Wall, you step forward on your Right foot, side onto your Left foot, and together (Right foot to Left) to end up backing Line of Dance. (Slow, Quick, Quick)


Then begin the Back Lock by stepping back once onto your Left foot, backwards again onto your Right foot, Cross your Left foot in front of the Right, and then backwards again with your Left foot. (Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow)


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Backing Diagonal Wall, take your first step backwards on your Left foot. Step side onto your Right foot, and then bring your Left foot together with the Right foot. (Slow, Quick, Quick)


You are then facing Line of Dance, and begin the lock step by stepping forward on your Right foot, another step forward on your Left foot, then cross your Right foot behind your Left foot, and one more step forward with the Left. (Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow)



Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- As with the "normal" lock step, be careful not to have the Lady end up under the Man's armpit. You ARE slightly outside each other, as it would be impossible to be on the same foot track, but remember you are working together... not running a race. It doesn't matter who gets there first!

Waltz - Closed Impetus

(Awaiting new drawing with correct amount of turn! - descriptions have been correct for Closed Impetus from the start... sorry for the confusion- I even confused myself this time!)

The Slow Foxtrot is full of heel turns for the lady but the Closed Impetus in Waltz is one of the occasions that it is necessary for the man to complete this slightly tricky move. The ladies footwork is very much like that of the Spin Turn. I am going to put it within a sequence so that you know one way of getting in and out of it.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Begin with the first three steps of your Natural Turn. (Forward on your Right, commencing to turn to the right, side on your Left, close the feet together. At this point you should be facing the wall which was to your Right when you started.) Count 1, 2, 3

Step back onto your Left foot. Swing your Right foot back to join the Left as you pull your right side around and transfer the weight from your Left foot to your Right heel. This should have turned you to face diagonally into centre (3/8ths of a turn). Push forward onto your Right to as you continue to turn your body, releasing your Left foot in a step "backwards" which leaves you backing diagonally to centre and having turned another 1/4. Count 1, 2 (and), 3

You can then finish with 4-6 of your Reverse Turn. Step back on your Right commencing to turn to the Left. Step side onto your Right and close your Left to your Right ending facing Diagonally to Wall again (where you should have started). Count 1, 2, 3

Follower's/ Lady's Footwork

Much like the spin turn, you start with the first three steps of a Natural Turn. Step backwards onto your Left foot, commencing to turn. Step side onto your Right foot and close your Left foot to the Right to face LOD. Count 1, 2, 3

Step forward into your partner with your Right foot. Step to the side (around your partner) with your Left foot. Brush your Right foot towards your left as you continue to turn (with no weight) and then step forward on it, facing Diagonally Centre. Count 1, 2,3

Finish with 4-6 of the Reverse Turn. Step forward onto your Left foot, starting to turn to the Left, side on your Right foot and close your Left foot to your Right to finish backing diagonal to wall.

Notes for Both the Leader and the Follower:
- Be aware of where your partner is needing to finish each of the steps. When the man is doing the heel turn, ladies, do not try to pull them in any way as they will not be able to move to keep up with you. Same goes in reverse as the gents come out of the heel turn as this is when the ladies are doing their brushed step.
- All of these steps should be taken in line with your partner!

Quickstep - Style

As you can expect from the name, the Quickstep is a rather fast dance. This requires fast footwork and a light, easy, approach to the movements. The upper body should remain as smooth and unaffected as possible, while the legs and feet work quickly underneath.

The rise and fall of the dance helps to provide the momentum needed to drive along the long lines, but being able to stop immaculately and show some complex footwork is also usually an element of show/competitive choreography.

A fast and upbeat dance, the Quickstep has similarities to the Social Foxtrot and has a crossover of steps from dances like the Waltz as well, but uses the rise and fall more conservatively than the Waltz and also can incorporate elements of Charleston and other swing dances of the early 30's.

Tango - Style

The individual style of each of the Ballroom and Latin dances is integral to defining the movement and feel of each dance. But more than in any other dance, the style of Tango is what makes it dynamic and unique. Without style, Tango is simply walking around the room.

Most people, when thinking of the tango, think of the rose in the teeth and one arm pointing dramatically in the direction of travel. Although this is a common stereotype, there is little to back that image up technically. The hold for Tango is more compact - rather than stretched - and the drama does not come from the presence of a rose.

Instead, it is the quality of the movement that you should focus on. Tango has a feeling of "stalking" to it. Your knees should be bent at all times (imagine the ceiling is 2 inches above your head) and the impetus to move comes from your core - not your feet or legs. It is very important that you do these things technically, though. When I say your knees are bent, that means that you need to keep your hips under your shoulders and simply allow your knees to move forward over your toes rather than remain over your heels which will cause your bottom to stick out. Posture is exceptionally important to maintain as the dance just wont look right unless you keep your shoulders broad, collar bones lifted, and heads to the left (ladies more left than gents).

Ladies, dont forget that your Left hand is not on the gents shoulder as usual, but instead is placed behind his shoulder - sort of like a karate chop with your thumb ending up at his armpit and the palm of your hand facing down.

Waltz - Style

One of the most important qualities of the Waltz is its Rise and Fall.

In order to understand the Rise and Fall, a little understanding of what your footwork should be is necessary. Taking simply the first 3 steps of a natural turn as a general example, gents step forward on the Right with a heel step, step side onto a toe with the Left, close together onto another toe with the Right foot, and then before moving into the next step, lower the Right heel and release the Left knee, preparing you to take your next step. For ladies, you step backwards through your Left foot (ball-heel), side onto the toe of your Right foot, close your Left foot together with your Right foot and lower the Left heel (popping the Right knee) before moving on.

The first step is taken into the "down" part of your rise and fall. Like a wave, it should move smoothly upwards as you step onto your toe for the second step, reach the peak of the wave as you bring your other foot together (still on your toes), and begin to "fall" as you lower through the supporting leg and gather the force to move you into your next step.

A large amount of power can be drawn from your "down" steps as they push into the floor and allow you the best point of being grounded in the whole sequence. This can be used to add emphasis to your movements - making them more dramatic and confident looking - and to really move through the steps and cover ground, if that is your decision.

The top of your rise is a great place to suspend timing for a breath in order to play with the rhythms of the music or delay the second step by a partial beat - adding interest and variety to the traditional even rhythm.

Practice your rise and fall as it is an important part of not only the Waltz, but a lot of the other Ballroom dances as well. Strength in your ankles, calves, and centre is needed to take advantage of all that Rise and Fall has to offer your dancing so be sure to do exercises that help to give you control and endurance.

Social Foxtrot - Style

With a good base now in the elementary steps, I think that it is time that we mention a few things about each dance that contribute to the unique characteristics of each one. Aside from the actual foot patterns, every dance in the Ballroom and Latin repertoire has individual characteristics that help to make it look and feel different from the rest.

Social Foxtrot is one of those dances that can be done to almost any piece of 4 beat music but is generally done to something nice and swingy.

Unlike most of the other Ballroom dances, Social Foxtrot is a bit more loose in terms of the hold and allows you to add a bit of sway into the upper body. There is also a bit of a bounce that can be put into the knees, especially during your Slow steps, though the footwork rules of generally stepping forward onto a heel and backwards through the foot still apply. Body contact is not necessary.

Generally, have fun with this dance! It should be relaxed and you should allow yourself to play with the steps as the music tells you.

Quickstep - Progressive Chasse

This is essentially the step that is the second half of your basic, but I thought it deserved a look at of its own.

Begun when the leader is stepping backwards, it can be used to travel or kept on the spot depending on what is needed. The rhythm is Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start by stepping back on your Right foot when you are backing diagonally to the centre of the room. Next you step side on your Left foot, together with your Right and then side and slightly forward onto your Left. The final step is taken forwards - having come back to facing diagonal wall (which is where we generally start all our ballroom steps).

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Step forward on your Left foot and then side onto your Right. Close your Left foot to your Right and then take a step back and slightly to the side onto your Right foot. Finish the step with a step backwards on your Left foot.

Quickstep - Natural Turn

(After getting all out of sync last week, I will aim to get back on track now... sorry for any inconvenience!)

Great for getting out of corners, the Natural Turn in Quickstep is slightly different from those you have seen in waltz so far. The timing changes from a straight forward "Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow" pattern and becomes "Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow, Slow" over the course of the six steps.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Starting Diagonal to Wall, step forward onto your Right foot. As you do this you should already be turning your shoulders to the Right to begin the turn. On the "Quick, Quick" you Step side onto your Left foot and then close your Right foot to your Left having completed just over a quarter of a turn and ending facing the wall that used to be behind you.

Step backwards onto your Left foot and continue to turn to the Right as you take another step this time to the side onto your Right foot, doing what is called a Heel Pull before stepping forward on your Left. All of these are Slow counts!

What is a Heel Pull?
The technique book is quite specific on how a proper Heel Pull should be done. In basic terms, the turn is completed on the heel of the supporting foot, which means that you need to step first and THEN turn. The moving foot (in this case your Left foot) is pulled to follow the other foot - back and to the side. It is moved with the inside of the foot on the floor, leading with your heel, and is always kept a small distance from the supporting foot.

Follower's/Lady's Footwork

For once your feet are simpler than the guy's - you dont have a Heel Pull!
Start by stepping backwards onto your Left foot. You partner should already be initiating the turn to the Right and therefore causing you to rotate your upper body in the right direction. Step side and then together with your Right then Left feet. You should now be facing LOD.

Next go forward with your Right foot, continuing to turn to the Right. Side onto your Left foot and backwards onto your Right. Remember... all of these steps are Slow counts.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- This step is done here going around a corner and getting you back facing Diagonal to Wall on the new alignment. It can be done with varying degrees of turn if necessary.

Quickstep - Spin Turn

Very much like the Spin Turn in Waltz, the footwork is the same but the main difference in the Quickstep is your timing. The total pattern for this step will be "Slow, Quick Quick, Slow, Slow, Slow" (whereas most of your other patters have been simply a repetition of "Slow, Quick, Quick). The rise and fall is slightly different as well, but I will talk about that in a later post.

Remember that there is a varying amount of turn that you can do when you do a spin turn, depending on whether you are doing one in a corner or along a long line. This set of diagrams shows the amount of turn in a corner and assumes that you are going to use the following step to turn to face diagonally to the new line of dance.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start with the first three steps of your Natural Turn (forward on your Right foot - turning to your right - and then side onto your Left, and close your Right foot to your left) to finish with your back directly to the line of dance. (Counts Slow, Quick Quick)

Step back onto your Left foot but think of keeping your knees bent and close together - because you are now going to pivot on that Left foot - think of pulling your Right shoulder backwards and bringing the Right foot around as if connected and immovable from the position it was placed in when you stepped back. Step forward onto the Right foot and then "fall" back onto your Left now facing Diagonal Against your New Line of Dance. (Counts Slow, Slow, Slow)

You can follow this with a Progressive Chasse which will keep you moving along the LOD and allow you to get back into your "basic" pattern of Quarter Turn to Right and Progressive Chasse.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start with the first three steps of your natural turn. Step back on your Left foot, side on your Right and together with your Left to end facing Line of Dance. (Counts Slow, Quick, Quick)

Step forward into your partner with your Right foot (Count Slow), beginning to curve to your Right, the next step is taken forward as your partner is pivoting, which means that you end up with your weight on your Left foot and your back to the diagonal you initially started on on a second SlowCount. (Which in the technique books is therefore labelled as a step back and slightly to the side.) With your weight on the toe of your Left foot, lightly brush your Right foot towards your left (Count "2-and") and then back out on a diagonal to step forward on another Slow Count.

Following this step, you can go straight into a Progressive Chasse.


Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- When doing the pivot, it is very important that the gentleman keeps his weight over his supporting foot at all times... if you start to lean forward or backwards, you make the turn impossible for your partner. This also goes for the women, however. Ladies, do not hold on to your partner for dear life or lean into him, this will make the turn heavy and difficult to turn - it should feel light and easy!!

Tango - Open Promenade

(Two for one today as i am late with the ballroom step from monday!)

Much like your Closed Promenade, this step takes you along the Line of Dance in Promenade Position but instead of finishing back in a neutral position with your feet together, you have an Open Finish.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Just like the Closed Promenade, this step only differs in the final step. So, from PP (promenade position) you step forward onto your Left foot (Slow), forward again onto your Right foot - bringing the leg through the centre of you and your partner (Quick), change your alignment to face diagonal to wall again with your next step to the side onto your Left foot (Quick), and then rather than closing your feet together as you would in a Closed Promenade, step forward on the diagonal (in CBMP) with your Right foot (Slow).

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Again, just like the Closed Promenade, you step forwards in PP (promenade position) on your Right foot (Slow), forwards again onto your Left foot (Quick), step side - changing your alignment when led to be backing the diagonal - onto your Right foot (Quick), and instead of bringing your feet together as you would have done in your Closed Promenade, step backwards in CBMP onto your Left foot (Slow).


Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Maintaining the connection between your centre's at all times is integral when working in ballroom in general, tango specifically, and in CBMP even more so. Really try to keep your belly buttons facing each other at all times throughout this step regardless of what your shoulders or feet may be doing.

Tango - Open Reverse Turn Outside Partner

The Open Reverse Turn, Outside Partner is a very scary sounding name for 6 steps. But you needn't be worried! As with the other reverse turns you have done in other dances so far, this turn will be going to the Left and for the gentlemen, starts on the Left foot. As the title says, part of the turn will happen stepping outside your partner's feet instead of inside as you would usually do.

The counts for this step are "Quick, Quick, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow"

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Starting diagonally to your nearest wall, take one step forward on your Left foot. (Quick) Step side onto your Right foot, placing your back to the nearest wall, (Quick) and then step back with your Left foot putting your body in CBMP (keeping your shoulders to your partner/parallel to the wall but your hips and feet facing the wall that you have to your Left). (Slow) At this stage, you and your partner should not be in line, but more beside one another.

Step back on your Right foot, curving the step to continue the turn. (Quick) (You should be almost facing the nearest wall again.) Then step side on your Left foot (Quick) and close your Right to your left to complete the turn and end facing diagonal to wall as you started. (Slow)

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

You start backing diagonal to wall and take your first step back with your Right foot (this step has already begun to turn). (Quick) Then step side on your Left, to face the nearest wall. (Quick) The next step is forward towards the diagonal on your Right foot, but is not taken in line. (Slow) Your foot therefore should be between you and your partner and your body will be in CBMP (your upper body, still in hold, is facing your partner and your lower body has assumed the new alignment - creating a twist in your body).

Step forward again, this time on your Left foot (continuing to turn) and side on your Right foot to put your back to the nearest wall. (Quick, Quick) The last step is to close your Left foot to your Right and finish backing diagonal wall again. (Slow)

Notes for both Leader and Follower:

- Throughout this step, and regardless of what your feet are doing, make sure that your belly buttons are facing each other. This will ensure that you maintain the proper hold and upper body posture even when your feet start to go in other directions!

- Do NOT try to stay in line with your partner for all these steps! For once you are allowed to be on the outside, but dont let that affect your hold.

Tango - Spanish Drag

(And two in one day to get us back on track!)

One of the iconic tango moves, a Spanish Drag is very simple in terms of the footwork, but can often be done in a very sloppy way. To ensure that it is done properly, you need to be very aware of your frame and body connection as well as have a good idea about the affects your movements have on your partner.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

All the Spanish Drag requires is a Slow count step to the side on your Left foot, keeping the knee bent in a lunge like position, and then a returning of the Right foot together with the Left on a second Slow count. Shape your upper body with a slight lift on the Left side and use your head position to look over your partner's Left shoulder.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Quite simply, you take a step to the side on your Right foot, into a lunge position for one Slow count. You then close your feet together using the Left foot to close to the Right on a second Slow count. Your Right knee should be in contact with your partner's leg during this step and there is a shaping that will extend the Right side of your upper body.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:
(I havent included foot diagrams as the step itself is something created through the rest of the body.)

- Too often this is done with a huge bend at the waist to make the upper body more dramatic. This will only lead to messy dancing and the potential to hurt your partner if you wrench their back or side too far. When you stand normally in tango hold, simply think of lifting out of the waist and elongating the Left side of your body for men, or Right side of your body for Ladies. There should be no collapsing on the opposite side... if you have to bend the opposite side, you have shaped too much!

- Be sure to maintain contact with your partner throughout this move, it is the movement as one unit that makes it impressive to watch.

Waltz - Spin Turn

You will soon find, if you are practising your natural and reverse turns, that you either have to vary the amount of turn that you do at some point in order to get around the room (which is definitely allowed as long as you keep going around in the right direction), or you get stuck in a corner (which isn't such a good thing).

A great step to get you out of corners is the Spin Turn. It starts like the beginning of a Natural Turn and can be done with varying degrees of turn. (It can be done in corners or even along a straight side, but for this description I will give the amount of turn usually done in corners.)

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start with the first three steps of your Natural Turn (forward on your Right foot - turning to your right - and then side onto your Left, and close your Right foot to your left) to finish with your back directly to the line of dance. (Counts 1, 2, 3)

Step back onto your Left foot but think of keeping your knees bent and close together - because you are now going to pivot on that Left foot - think of pulling your Right shoulder backwards and bringing the Right foot around as if connected and immovable from the position it was placed in when you stepped back. Step forward onto the Right foot and then "fall" back onto your Left now facing Diagonal Against your New Line of Dance. (Counts 1(and), 2, 3)

Next do a quarter turn to face the New Line of Dance by stepping backwards onto your Right foot, side onto your Left, and together with your Right. (Counts 1, 2, 3) You are now ready to do any reverse figure or a close change.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start with the first three steps of your natural turn. Step back on your Left foot, side on your Right and together with your Left to end facing Line of Dance. (Counts 1, 2, 3)

Step forward into your partner with your Right foot (Count 1), beginning to curve to your Right, the next step is taken forward as your partner is pivoting, which means that you end up with your weight on your Left foot and your back to the diagonal you initially started on on Count 2. (Which in the technique books is therefore labelled as a step back and slightly to the side.) With your weight on the toe of your Left foot, lightly brush your Right foot towards your left (Count "2-and") and then back out on a diagonal to step forward on Count 3.

Complete the sequence by stepping forward on your Left foot, turning to the Left, and side together with your Right and Left feet respectively. (Counts 1, 2, 3)


Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- When doing the pivot, it is very important that the gentleman keeps his weight over his supporting foot at all times... if you start to lean forward or backwards, you make the turn impossible for your partner. This also goes for the women, however. Ladies, do not hold on to your partner for dear life or lean into him, this will make the turn heavy and difficult to turn - it should feel light and easy!!