ballroom dancing for beginners 1
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME: 1International Style Standard [Modern] Ballroom Dancing
WALTZ- QUICKSTEP-TANGO- FOXTROT-VIENNESE WALTZ
Technical descriptions of popular introductory figures, WITH FOOT DIAGRAMS
This book will not teach you how to dance. This book is intended to serveas a reference in a Ballroom Dance instructional series. If only Waltz,Quickstep,and Tango are taught 80% of the figures in this manual can belearned in a 12 week series of 1 hour group courses, assuming 2 additionalhours of assisted practice is available each week.
Such a training routine is recommended for competitive collegiateballroom dance teams in their first semester of Ballroom training.
Dancers Notes 2001Kevin Buell
RevisionAugust 18 2001
2 International Standard
Introduction
Generally, this book was written to serve as an introductory reference manual for abeginner student of ballroom dancing. More specifically, this book is written to be usedas the guidebook for collegiate ballroom dance teams training first semester students.
It is my hope that by providing quality Ballroom Dancing guides to collegiate ballroomdance teams that these teams may grow and further promote the development of ballroomdance on college campuses.
In future volumes I will release similar guides for American Smooth BallroomDancing, as well as more advanced texts which will eventually include silver levelsyllabus.
On Foot Diagrams: While many other fine ballroom dance guides are commerciallyavailable, one feature which almost all these guides lack is the inclusion of diagramsindicating the placements of the fee. By including foot diagrams, it is hoped that the lessexperienced students who do not understand the tabular figure information will find thisguide most helpful. Foot diagrams are placed on a grid where each square represents a2’x2’ distance. The mens feet represent a length of 12 inches, and the ladies feet areslightly smaller.
Abbreviations Used in this Text
RhythmS=Slow, 2 beats of music.Q=Quick, 1 beat of music
Foot PositionRF= Right FootLF= Left FootSLT=slight(ly)TTI= Toe Turned InTTO= Toe Turned Out
Body PositionSLT=slightCBM=Contra-Body MotionCBMP= Contra-Body
Motion PositionR=RightL=Left
AlignmentLOD= Line of DanceDC= Diagonal CenterDW=Diagonal WallP= (foot) PointingA-LOD= Against LOD
Foot-WorkT=ToeH=HeelB=Ball of footHT= Heel, then ToeTH= Toe, then HeelF= foot (flat foot)LF= Left FootRF= Right FootW= whole (foot)IE= Inside Edge
TurnCom= CommenceE/O= (at) end ofCont= ContinueR=RightL=LeftBTL= Body Turns LessBCT= Body CompletesTurnBet= Between
RISE & FALLCom= CommenceE/O= (at) end ofCont= ContinueNFR= No-foot rise (BodyRise with heel on theground)R= RiseL= Lower
OtherPP= Promenade PositionCP= Closed PositionOP= Outside PartnerPO= Partner Outside
4 International Standard
Waltz
Style: International (English) StyleCategory: Modern/Standard BallroomRhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on the 1)Tempo: 30 Bars per minute (Competition)
29-34 Bars per minute (Social)Phrasing: 8 Bar Phrasing
When people hear the phrase 'Ballroom Dance' they invariably thinkof the Waltz.
Waltz is THE fundamental Ballroom dance. Originating hundreds ofyears ago in Bavarian Europe, the original waltz had a much faster tempoand was more similar to our modern 'Viennese Waltz'. The danceexperienced significant opposition when it was popularized across Europe.The idea of a man holding a woman hip to hip and cavorting about seemedsomehow improper.
This modern 'Slow Waltz' is derived from an American version of theWaltz called 'The Boston' which was characterized by the slow tempo, longflowing steps, and the closed position which made our slow waltz what it istoday.
A strong foundation in Waltz is the basis of understandingInternational Standard and American Smooth dances. Most figures in otherdances such as foxtrot are merely steps from Waltz danced to a differentRhythm.
What distinguishes Waltz as Waltz then is the character, which hasbeen described as 'being in love- forever'.
WALTZTable Of Contents
Bronze SyllabusRF Closed change........................................................................................................................................... 6LF Closed change ........................................................................................................................................... 8Reverse Turn ................................................................................................................................................ 10Natural Turn ................................................................................................................................................. 12Whisk............................................................................................................................................................ 14Chasse from Promenade Position ................................................................................................................. 16Natural Spin Turn ......................................................................................................................................... 18Closed Impetus ............................................................................................................................................. 20Hesitation Change......................................................................................................................................... 22
Useful Amalgamations
[1] Facing DW:Natural TurnRF Closed ChangeReverse TurnLF Close Change
[2] Facing DW:WhiskChasseNatural Turn (Outside Partner on 1)
[3] Facing DW at corner:Natural TurnWhiskChasseNatural Turn (Outside Partner on 1)
[4]Natural Spin Turn4-6 of Reverse Turn(Underturned to face DC)
[5]Hesitation ChangeReverse Turn
[6]1-3 of Natural TurnClosed Impetus4-6 of Reverse Turn
(Underturned to face DC)Reverse Turn
Gentleman Waltz
6 International Standard
RF Closed change(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
RF FwdSlightCBM
FacingDC
HTCom Re/o 1
2 2LF Side& slightly
Fwd
SwayR
FacingDC
T Cont R
3 3RF
Closes toLF
SwayR
FacingDC
THCont R,L e/o 3
R=Rise,L=Lower
Waltz Lady
International Standard 7
RF Closed change(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
LF BackSlightCBM
BackingDC
THCom Re/o 1
2 2RF Side&slightly
BackSway L
BackingDC
T Cont R
3 3 LF closesto RF
Sway LBacking
DCTH
Cont R,L e/o 3
Gentleman Waltz
8 International Standard
LF Closed change(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
LF FwdSlightCBM
FacingDW HT
Com Re/o 1
2 2RF Side& slightly
FwdSway L
FacingDW
T Cont R
3 3LF
Closes toRF
Sway LFacing
DWTH
Cont R,L e/o 3
Waltz Lady
International Standard 9
LF Closed change(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
RF BackSlightCBM
BackingDW
THCom Re/o 1
2 2LF Side&slightly
Back
SwayR
BackingDW
T Cont R
3 3RF
closes toLF
SwayR
BackingDW
THCont R,L e/o 3
Gentleman Waltz
10 International Standard
Reverse TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
LF fwd CBMFacing
DCCom
turning LHT
Com Re/o 1
2 2 RF side Sway LBacking
DW1/4 L Bet
1&2T Cont R
3 3 LF closeto RF Sway L
BackingLOD
1/8 L bet2&3 TH
Cont R,L e/o 3
4 2 RF Back CBMBacking
LODCont
turning L TH ** Down on 4, Com to
R e/o 4- NFR
5 2 LF sideSway
RPointing
DW3/8 L bet4&5, BTL
T Cont RBTL=Body Turns
Less
6 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
FacingDW
BCT THCont R,L e/o 6
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
Waltz Lady
International Standard 11
Reverse TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1RF Back CBM
BackingDC
Com turn L THCom Re/o 1NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2 2 LF SideSway
RPointingto LOD
3/8 L bet1&2, BTL T Cont R
BTL=Body TurnsLess
3 3RF
closes toLF
SwayR
FacingLOD
BCT THCont R,L e/o 3
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
4 2 LF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
Cont L HT **Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5 2 RF side Sway LBacking
Wall1/4 L bet
4&5T Cont R
6 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LBacking
DW3/8 L Bet
5&6TH
Cont R,L e/o 6
Gentleman Waltz
12 International Standard
Natural TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
RF fwd CBMFacing
DWCom
turning RHT
Com Re/o 1
2 2 LF sideSway
RBacking
DC1/4 R Bet
1&2T Cont R
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
BackingLOD
1/8 R bet2&3 TH
Cont R,L e/o 3
4 2 LF Back CBMBacking
LODCont
turning R TH ** Down on 4, Com to
R e/o 4- NFR
5 2 RF side Sway LPointing
DC3/8 R bet4&5, BTL
T Cont RBTL=Body Turns
Less
6 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LFacing
DCBCT TH
Cont R,L e/o 6
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
Waltz Lady
International Standard 13
Natural TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1LF Back CBM
BackingDW
Com turnR
THComR e/o
1 NFR
NFR=No FootRise
2 2RF
SideSway
L
Pointing toLOD
3/8 Rbet 1&2,
BTLT
ContR
BTL=Body TurnsLess
3 3LF
closesto RF
SwayL
FacingLOD BCT TH
ContR, Le/o 3
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
4 2 RF Fwd CBM FacingLOD
Cont R HT **Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5 2 LF sideSway
RBackingCentre
1/4 Rbet4&5
TCont
R
6 3RF
close toLF
SwayR
BackingDC
3/8 RBet 5&6 TH
ContR, Le/o 6
Gentleman Waltz
14 International Standard
WhiskRhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
LF FwdSlightCBM
FacingDW
HTCom Re/o 1
2 2RF Side& slightly
FwdSway L
FacingDW
T Cont R
3 3
LFCrossesbehind
RF in PP
Sway LPP
FacingDW TH
Up,L e/o 3
PP= PromenadePosition
Waltz Lady
International Standard 15
WhiskRhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1RF Back
SlightCBM
BackingDW
No turn on1
THCom Re/o 1NFR
NFR= No foot Rise
2 2 LF DiagBack
SwayR
PointingDC
1/4 R bet1&2, BTL T Cont R
BTL= Body TurnsLess
3 3
RFcrossesbehind
LF in PP
SwayR
PP
FacingDC
Bodycompletes
TurnTH
Up,L e/o 3
PP= PromenadePosition
Gentleman Waltz
16 International Standard
Chasse from Promenade PositionRhythm: 12&3
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1
1
RF Fwd&
across
CBMP &PP
AlongLOD,
FacingDW
HTComR e/o
1
No CBM, justCBMP
2 2
LF Side&
slightlyFwd
FacingDC
T ContR
Steps 2 & 3each consume1/2 a beat of
music
3 &RF
Closesto LF
TCont
R
4 3
LF sideand
slightlyFWD
FacingDC
THUp,L e/o
3
Follow with RFfwd in CBMP
OP into any NatFig
About the Chasse, What is an ‘&’ beat?
Waltz Lady
International Standard 17
Chasse from Promenade PositionRhythm: 12&3
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1
LF Fwd&
across
CBMP&PP
AlongLOD,facing
DC
Start toturn L on
1HT
ComR e/o
1CBM & CBMP
2 2 RFSide
BackingWall
1/8 L bet1&2
T ContR
Steps 2 & 3each consume1/2 a beat of
music
3 &LF
closesto RF
BackingDW
1/8 L bet2&3 T
ContR
4 3
RF sideand
slightlyback
BackingDW
No turnon 4
THUp,
L e/o3
Gentleman Waltz
18 International Standard
Natural Spin TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
RF fwd CBMFacing
DWCom
turning RHT
Com Re/o 1
2 2 LF sideSway
RBacking
DC1/4 R Bet
1&2T Cont R
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
BackingLOD
1/8 R bet2&3 TH
Cont R,L e/o 3
4 2 LF Back CBM
DownLOD,Toe
turned in
1/2 R(Pivot) THT
Downon 4
Heel in contact withfloor during turn
5 2 RF fwdCBM&CBMP
FacingLOD
Cont Rturn
HT R
6 3LF side &
slightlyback
BackingDC
3/8 R bet5&6
THUp,
L e/o 6
Waltz Lady
International Standard 19
Natural Spin TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1LF Back CBM
BackingDW
Com turn R THCom Re/o 1NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2 2 RF SideSway
LPointingto LOD
3/8 R bet1&2, BTL T Cont R
BTL=Body TurnsLess
3 3 LF closesto RF
SwayL
FacingLOD
BCT THCont R,L e/o 3
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
4 2 RF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
1/4 R(Pivot)
HTDownon 4
5 2
LF backand
slightlyside
BackingLOD
Cont R T R
6 3RF brushLF then,Diag Fwd
FacingDC
3/8 R Bet5&6
THUp,
L e/o 6
Gentleman Waltz
20 International Standard
Closed ImpetusRhythm: 1232
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
LF Back CBMBacking
LODCom R TH
2 2RF
closes toLF
Sway LFacing
DC3/8 R bet
1&2HT R e/o 2 Heel Turn
3 3LF side &
slightlyback
BackingDC
againstLOD
1/4 R bet2&3 TH
Up,Lowere/o 3
4 2 RF back CBM
BackingDC
againstLOD
TThis is the first step
of next figure
Waltz Lady
International Standard 21
Closed ImpetusRhythm: 1232
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
RF fwd CBMFacingLOD
HT
2 2 LF sideSway
RBacking
DCCom R T
Risee/o 2
3 3RF brushLF, thendiag fwd
FacingDC
againstLOD
3/8 R bet1&2
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
4 2 LF fwd CBM
FacingDC
againstLOD
1/4 R bet2&3
HThis is the first step
of next figure
Gentleman Waltz
22 International Standard
Hesitation ChangeRhythm: 123 223
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
RF Fwd CBMFacing
DWCom Turn
RHT
ComRisee/o 1
2 2 LF SideSway
RBacking
DC¼ R bet
1&2 T Cont RSteps 1-3 of anatural Turn
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
BackingLOD
1/8 R bet2&3
THUp.
Lowere/o 3
4 2 LF back CBMBacking
LODCom R TH Down
5 2RF pullsto side of
LFSway L
FacingDC
3/8 R btw4&5
H,IE F,whole foot
DownTurning from L heelon to RF(HEEL PULL)
6 3LF Closeto RF (noweight)
Sway LFacing
DCIE T Down
Waltz Lady
International Standard 23
Hesitation ChangeRhythm: 123 223
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
LF back CBMBacking
DWCom R TH
Com Re/o 1NFR
2 2 RF side Sway LPointingto LOD
3/8 R bet1&2, BTL
T Cont RSteps 1-3 of aNatural Turn
3 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LFacingLOD
BCT THUp.
Lowere/o 3
4 2 RF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
Com turnR
HT Down
5 2 LF SideSway
RBacking
DC3/8 R bet
4&5TH Down
6 3RF Closeto LF (Noweight)
SwayR
BackingDC
IE T Down
24 International Standard
QuickStep
Style: International (English) StyleCategory: Modern/Standard BallroomRhythm: 4/4 time (Accents on 1 & 3, 1 stronger)Tempo: 50-52 Bars per minute (Competition)
38-54 Bars per minute (Social)Phrasing:
Originally called 'Quick-Time Foxtrot' (and originally competed underthe category 'Quick-Time Foxtrot and Charleston'), the Quickstep developedfrom the slower Foxtrot. As bands began to play the Foxtrot rhythm in afaster and faster manner, dancers still wanted to dance their familiar Foxtrotsteps. After some adjustment Quickstep emerged as its own dance.
The 'Stand-Alone' in International Style, its closest American Styleequivalent is the Peabody, which is only very rarely seen in the US today.
The Charleston, which was a strong influence on the development ofQuickstep originated in Charleston South Carolina. Charleston wascharacterized by kicks, hops, foot Points, and fast movements with kneesbent inward. Charleston was not a ‘Ballroom dance’ by our moderndefinitions, and was not danced in the closed ballroom position.
International Standard 25
QuickStep
Table Of Contents
Quarter Turn to Right ................................................................................................................................... 26Progressive Chasse ....................................................................................................................................... 28Forward Lock Step ....................................................................................................................................... 30Closed Impetus ............................................................................................................................................. 32Natural Spin Turn ......................................................................................................................................... 34Progressive Chasse to Right ......................................................................................................................... 36Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)................................................................................................................ 38Chasse Reverse Turn .................................................................................................................................... 40
Useful Amalgamations
[1]Quarter Turn to RightProgressive Chasse
[2]Quarter Turn to RightProgressive ChasseForward Lock-StepQuarter Turn to RightProgressive Chasse
[3]Natural Spin TurnProgressive Chasse
[4]1-3 Natural Spin TurnClosed ImpetusProgressive Chasse
[5]1-3 Natural Spin TurnTipple Chasse to RightChasse Reverse TurnProgressive Chasse
Gentleman Quickstep
26 International Standard
Quarter Turn to RightRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
RF fwd CBMFacing
DWCom toturn R
HTCom Re/o 1
2 3-Q LF sideSway
RBackingCenter
1/8 Rbet 1&2
T Cont R
3 4-QRF
closes toLF
SwayR
BackingDC
1/8 Rbet 2&3
T Cont R
4 5,6-S
LF sideand
slightlyback
BackingDC None TH
Up,Lowere/o 4
Quarter Turn to Right(Man)
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 27
Quarter Turn to RightRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF back CBMBacking
DWCom toturn R TH
Com Re/o 1,NFR
2 3-Q RF side Sway LPointing
DC
1/4 Rbetween1-2, Bodyturns less
T Cont R
3 4-Q LF closesto RF
Sway LFacing
DCslight
body turnT Cont R
4 5,6-S RF diagfwd
FacingDC
none THUp.
Lowere/o 4
Quarter Turn to Right(Lady)
Gentleman Quickstep
28 International Standard
Progressive ChasseRhythm: SQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
RF back CMBBacking
DCCom toturn L
THCom Re/o 1NFR
2 3-Q LF sidePointing
DW
1/4 bet 1-2, Body
turns lessT Cont R
3 4-QRF
closes toLF
FacingDW
slightbody turn
T Cont R
4 5,6-SLF side &
slightlyforward
FacingDW - TH
Up.Lowere/o 4
5 7,8-S RF fwdOP
CMB&CBMP
FacingDW
H
Step 5 is not part ofChasse, but acts asfirst step of figure to
follow
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 29
Progressive ChasseRhythm: SQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF fwd CMBFacing
DCCom toturn L
HTCom Re/o 1
2 3-Q RF sideBacking
W1/8 bet 1-
2T Cont R
3 4-Q LF closesto RF
BackingDW
1/8 bet 2-3, Body
turns lessT Cont R
4 5,6-SRF side,slightlyback
BackingDW Nil TH
Up.Lowere/ 4
5 7,8-S LF backPO
CMB&CBMP
BackingDW
- T
Step 5 is not part ofchasse, but acts asfirst step of figure to
follow
Gentleman Quickstep
30 International Standard
Forward Lock StepRhythm:SQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1
1,2-SRF fwd,
OP
SlightCBM&CBMP
FacingDW
- HTCom Re/o 1
Although feet areDW, body faces alittle more towards
wall throughoutfigure
2 3-Q LF fwd &slt side
FacingDW
- T Cont R
3 4-QRF crossbehind
LF
FacingDW
- T Cont R
4 5,6-S LF fwd &slt side
FacingDW
- THUp.
Lowere/o 4
5 7,8-SRF fwdCBMP,
OPCBM
FacingDW
- HStep 5 is first stepof figure to follow
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 31
Forward Lock StepRhythm:SQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF backSlightCMB&CBMP
BackingDW
- THComNFRe/o 1
2 3-Q RF backBacking
DW- T Cont R
3 4-QLF crossin front of
RF
BackingDW
- T Cont R
4 5,6-SRF backand sltSide
BackingDW
- THUp.
Lowere/o 4
5 7,8-S LF backin CBMP
CBMBacking
DWT
Step 5 is first stepof figure to follow
Gentleman Quickstep
32 International Standard
Closed ImpetusRhythm:SSSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF back CBMBacking
LODCom toturn R
TH
2 3,4-S RF closeto LF
Sway LFacing
DC3/8 bet 1-
2HT
Risee/o 2
(Heel turn)
3 5,6-SLF side &slightlyback
BackingDC
A-LOD
up to1/4bet 2-3
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
*(or backing DC ofnew LOD when
danced at corner.)
4 7,8-S RF Back CBMBacking
DCA-LOD
T
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 33
Closed ImpetusRhythm:SSSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF fwd CBMFacingLOD
Com toturn R
HT
2 3,4-S LF sideSway
RBacking
DC
3/8between
1-2T
Risee/o 2
3 5,6-S
RF diagfwd,
havingbrushed
to LF
FacingDC
A-LOD
Up to 1/4bet 2-3
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
*(or DC of new LODwhen danced at
corner.)
4 7,8-S LF fwd SBMFacing
DCA-LOD
H
Gentleman Quickstep
34 International Standard
Natural Spin TurnRhythm:SQQSSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
RF Fwd CBMFacing
DWCom Turn
RHT R e/o 1
Steps 1-3 Turn to Rto back LOD
2 3-Q LF SideSway
RBacking
DC¼ R bet
1&2T Up
Steps 2-4 are aChasse
3 4-QClose RF
to LFSway
RBacking
LOD1/8 R bet
2&3TH
Up,Lowere/o 3
4 5,6-SLF Back(Pivot)
CBM
DownLOD,TTI,End
facingLOD
½ R on 4(Pivot)
THTPivot to Right.Hold RF in front ofyou in CBMP
5 7,8-S RF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
Cont R HTRisee/o 5
5 & 6 are the spin
69,10-
S
LF Side&
Slightlyback
BackingDC
3/8 R bet5&6
THUp.
Lowere/o 6
*This figure can beunderturned at acorner
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 35
Natural Spin TurnRhythm:SQQSSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF Back CBMBacking
DWCom R TH
NFRe/o 1
Steps 1-3 turn to Rto face LOD
2 3-Q RF Side Sway LPointing
LOD3/8 R bet1&2, BTL
T UpSteps 2-4 are aChasse
3 4-QLF Close
to RFSway L
FacingLOD
BCT THUp,
Lowere/o 3
4 5,6-S
RF FwdKeeping
LFBehind
you
CBMFacingLOD
½ R* HT * Pivot-like turn
5 7,8-SLF back
&Slt Left
NOCBM!
BackingLOD, endbacking
LOD
Cont R TRisee/o 5
5 & 6 are the spin
69,10-
S
RF diagFwd*
FacingDC
3/8 R bet5&6
THUp.
Lowere/o 6
* Brush RF to LFand then step diagforward
Gentleman Quickstep
36 International Standard
Progressive Chasse to RightRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF Fwd CBMFacing
DCCom turn
LHT
Com Re/o 1
2 3-Q RF sideBacking
W1/8 bet 1-
2T Cont R
3 4-Q LF closesto RF
BackingDW
1/8 bet 2-3, body
turns lessT Cont R
4 5,6-SRF side& slightlyback
BackingDW
- THUp,
Lowere/o 4
Note: If 1/2 turn is made on Chasse, amount of turn will be:Man- 1/4 between 1 and 2, 1/8 between 2 and 3, 1/8 between 4 and first step offollowing figure.
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 37
Progressive Chasse to RightRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF back CBMBacking
DCCom toturn L
THCom Re/o 1NFR
2 3-Q LF sidePointing
DW
1/4 bet 1-2, Body
turns lessT Cont R
3 4-QRFcloses toLF
FacingDW
Slightbody turn
T Cont R
4 5,6-S
LF sideandslightlyfwd
FacingDW
- THUp,
Lowere/o 4
Note: If 1/2 turn is made on Chasse, amount of turn will be:Lady- 3/8 between 1-2 (body turns less) body completes turn on 3: 1/8 between3-4 (body turns less)
Gentleman Quickstep
38 International Standard
Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)Rhythm:SQQSQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF back CBMBacking
LODCom toturn R
THCom toR e/o 1
NFR
Preceded by 1-3 ofnatural turn
2 3-Q RF sideFacing
new LOD1/4 R bet
1&2 T Cont R
3 4-QLF closes
to RFFacingLOD
T Cont RSteps 2-4 are a
chasse
4 5,6-SRF side& slightly
fwd
FacingDW
1/8 R bet3&4
T Up
5 7-QLF diag
fwdL sideleading
FacingDW
T UpSteps 5-8 are 2-5 of
forward lock
6 8-QRF crossbehind
LF
FacingDW
T UpBody facing more
toward wall in steps5-7
79,10-S
LF diagfwd
preparingto step
OP
FacingDW
THUp
Lowere/o 7
810-11-S
RF fwd,OP
CBM&CBMP
FacingDW
H down
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 39
Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)Rhythm:SQQSQQSS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF fwd CBMFacingLOD
HTCom toR e/o 1
2 3-Q LF sideBacking
new LOD1/4 R bet
1&2T Cont R
3 4-QRF
closes toLF
BackingLOD
T Cont RSteps 2-4 are a
chasse
4 5,6-S
LF sideand
slightlyback
BackingDW
1/8 R bet3&4
T Up
5 7-Q RF backR sideleading
BackingDW T Up
Steps 5-8 are 2-5 offorward lock
6 8-Q
LFcrosses
in front ofRF
BackingDW
T UpBody facing more
torwards center 5-7
79,10-S
RF diagback
BackingDW
THUp
Lowere/o 7
810-11-S
LF backCBM&CBMP
BackingDW
T down
Gentleman Quickstep
40 International Standard
Chasse Reverse TurnRhythm:SQQSQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF Fwd CBMFacingLOD or
DC
ComTurn L
HTRisee/o 1
2 3-Q RF Side Sway LBacking
DW¼ L bet
1&2 T Up
3 4-QLF close
to RFSway L
BackLOD
1/8 L bet2&3
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
Steps 2-4 are aChasse
4 5,6-S Back RF CBM TH
5 7-QClose LF
to RFSway
R3/8 L bet 4
& 6H
5 & 6 are a heelpivot (Man takes 1step, lady takes 2)
6 8-QTurn L on
R heelSway
RH-RF Toe pressure on L
Foot
79,10-
SLF Fwd CBM
FacingDW
H
*Note:Steps 4-7 are a heel pivot and can be danced separately (SeeHeel Pivot)
Quickstep Lady
International Standard 41
Chasse Reverse TurnRhythm:SQQSQQS
PositionStep
Beat&
Rhythm Foot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1,2-SRF Back CBM
BeginBackingLOD or
DC
ComTurning L TH
Risee/o 1NFR
Steps 1-3 are aChasse
2 3-Q LF SideSway
RPointing
LOD3/8 L bet1&2, BTL
T Up
3 4-QClose RF
to LFSway
R
EndfacingLOD
BCT THUp
Lowere/o 3
4 5,6-S LF Fwd CBM HT
5 7-Q RF Side Sway L T
6 8-QClose LF
to RFSway L TH
79,10-
SRF Back CBM
BackingDW
T
*Note:Steps 4-7 are a heel pivot and can be danced separately (SeeHeel Pivot)
42 International Standard
Tango
Style: International (English) StyleCategory: Modern/Standard BallroomRhythm: 4/4 time (Beats of Equal Intensity) (Rarely, 2/4 Time)Tempo: 33 Bars per minute (Competition)
28-34 Bars per minute (Social)Phrasing:
“Although many different interpretations have appeared, at no time have these deviatedfrom the theme of a partnership in which the man is dominant.”–Peggy Spencer, MBE Fellow and examiner or the Imperial Society of Teachers
of Dance.
The tango is a departure from the other standard dances. The tango exhibits no Rise &Fall, so characteristic of the other standard dances. The tango exhibits no Sway or Lilt.What then does the Tango have?Contra-body Staccato movement, and lots of it!The American Tango is characterized by the use of drum rhythm, and legato
movement, with a wide variety of character and emotion. Very different from itsAmerican counterpart, the International Tango is best described as Fierce in character,and an intensely powerful dance.
While American Tango is the dance of ‘Yes!’, ‘No’, and ‘Maybe.’, the Internationaltango is the dance of ‘Now!’ and ‘Immediately.’
The International Tango is a dance with frequent sharp snaps and twists, where it mayappear that the woman is nearly about to be broken in two by the powerful man. But infact this is the ‘softest’ of the standard dances, where there is no force exchangedbetween partners and the speed that is felt is much, much less than that which is seen.
If tango feels ‘hard’ or ‘tense’, then you are doing it wrong.
Tango
International Standard 43
Table Of Contents
Bronze Syllabus
Forward Walk............................................................................................................................................... 44Progressive Side Step ................................................................................................................................... 46Progressive Link ........................................................................................................................................... 48Closed Promenade ........................................................................................................................................ 50Rock Turn..................................................................................................................................................... 52Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside, Closed Finish ....................................................................................... 54Back Corte’................................................................................................................................................... 56LF Rocks ...................................................................................................................................................... 58RF Rocks ...................................................................................................................................................... 58
Useful Amalgamations
[1]Forward WalkProgressive Side-Step
[2]Forward WalkProgressive LinkClosed PromenadeForward Walk
[3]Forward WalkProgressive LinkClosed PromenadeRock Turn
[4]Forward Walk (CurvingLeft)Open Reverse Turn,lady outside partner,closed finishForward Walk
[5]Forward WalkProgressive LinkClosed PromenadeBack Corte’Progressive LinkClosed Promenade
Gentleman Tango
44 International Standard
Forward WalkRhythm: SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF fwd Y Facing DWNil or
curved LH
2 3,4-S RF fwdR sideleading
Facing DWNil or
curved LH
Tango Lady
International Standard 45
Forward WalkRhythm: SS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF Back Y Backing DW - BH
2 3,4-S LF BackL sideleading
Backing DW - BH
Gentleman Tango
46 International Standard
Progressive Side StepRhythm: QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1-Q
LF fwd Y DWNil or
Curved LH
2 2-QRF side
& sltback
Facing DWNil or
curved LIE of
FIE= Inside
Edge
3 3,4-S LF fwd Y DW H
Tango Lady
International Standard 47
Progressive Side StepRhythm: QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Foot
Gentleman Tango
48 International Standard
Progressive LinkRhythm: QQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1-Q
LF fwd Y DW H
2 2-QRF Side
& Sltback
PPFacing
DW
RF- IEof
FootLF- IFof B
Body TurnsSlightly to R
Tango Lady
International Standard 49
Progressive LinkRhythm: QQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1-Q
RF Back Y DW - BH
2 2-QLF Side
& sltBack
PromenadePosition
(PP)
FacingDC
¼ R bet1&2
LF-IEof BHRF-IEof B
Gentleman Tango
50 International Standard
Closed PromenadeRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF side PPPointing
DWnone H
Foot movesalong LOD
pointing DW
2 3-QRF Fwd
andacross
Y PPPointing
DW- H
Step acrossLF in CBMP
3 4-Q LF side &slt Fwd
PointingDW
-IE offoot
Lead womanto turn left
4 5,6-S
RFcloses to
LF,slightlyback
End inclosed
Position
FacingDW
-Whole
foot
Turning bodyto L, RF
closes to RFslightly back.
Weight on RF.End facing
DW in line w/woman
Tango Lady
International Standard 51
Closed PromenadeRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF side PP DC HRF movesalong LODpointing DC
2 3-QLF Fwd
andAcross
Y Y PP DC Com L H
Step across RFin CBMP. CBMwhen squaring
to partner
3 4-QRF side
& sltback
Backing DW¼ L bet
2&3,BTL
IE ofBH
4 5,6-SLF closesto RF &slt fwd
End inClosedPosition
Backing DW BCTWhole
foot
End weight onL foot. BackingDW in line with
man
Gentleman Tango
52 International Standard
Rock TurnRhythm: SQQSQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1,2-S
RF FwdR sideleading
DW H
2 3-Q LF side &slt back
BackingCenter
IE BH
3 4-QWeighttransfer
fwd to RF
R sideleading
DWA-LOD
¼ R bet1&3
IE BH
4 5,6-SLF back,
Smallstep
L sideleading
DC nil IE BH
5 7-Q RF back Y Y To Center BH
6 8-Q LF side &slt fwd Pointing DW
¼ L bet5&6 IE of
Wholefoot
5-6 is backclosed ending
7 9,10-S
RF closeto LF &slt back
Facing DWWholeFoot
Tango Lady
International Standard 53
Rock TurnRhythm: SQQSQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF BackL Sideleading
DWIE ofBH
2 3-Q RF fwd &slt side
FacingCenter
H
3 4-Q LF back& slt side
L Sideleading
DWA-LOD
¼ R bet1&3
IE ofBH
4 5,6-SRF fwd,smallstep
R sideleading DC Nil H
5 7-Q LF Fwd Y Y To Center H
6 8-Q RF side&slt back
Backing DW
¼ L bet5&6 IE of
BH
7 9,10-S
LF closeto RF slt
fwdBacking DW
Wholefoot
Gentleman Tango
54 International Standard
Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside,Closed FinishRhythm: QQS,QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1-Q
LF Fwd Y Y DC Com L H
2 2-Q RF side BDW Cont L BH
3 3,4-S LF back YPartnerOutside
(PO)
BackingDown LOD
Nil BH
4 5-Q RF back Y Down LOD Com L BH
5 6-Q LF side &slt Fwd
Pointing DWCont L,
BTLIE offoot
Body FacingWall, Left toefacing slightly
leftwards
6 7,8-SRF closeto LF, slt
backFacing DW BCT
Wholefoot
* ¾ Turn L over whole figure
Tango Lady
International Standard 55
Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside,Closed FinishRhythm: QQS,QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1-Q
RF Back Y Y Backing DC Com L BH
2 2-Q LF side &slt fwd
PointingLOD
Cont LWholeFoot
1-3 Turn L toFace LOD. LFpointing down
LOD,Releasing R
heel
3 3,4-S RF fwd YOutsidePartner,
facing LODDown LOD H
4 5-Q LF fwd Y Down LOD Com L H
5 6-QRF side
& sltback
Backing DW Cont LIE ofBH
6 7,8-SLF closeto RF, slt
fwdBacking DW
WholeFoot
* ¾ Turn L over whole figure
Gentleman Tango
56 International Standard
Back Corte’Rhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF BackL sideleading
Down newLOD
IE ofBH
2 3-Q RF Back Y Y DC BH
3 4-Q LF side &slt fwd
Pointing DWUp to ¼
L bet2&3
IE offoot
4 5,6-S
RFcloses toLF& sltback
Facing DWWhole
foot
*This step is often used in a corner. This is what the ‘NEW’ LOD indicates. If not used ata corner, the man simply begins backing down LOD and ends facing DW.
Tango Lady
International Standard 57
Back Corte’Rhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF FwdR sideleading
Down newLOD
H
2 3-Q LF Fwd Y Y DC H
3 4-Q Rf side &slt back
Backing DWUp to ¼
L bet2&3
IE ofBH
4 5,6-QLF closeto RF &slt fwd
Backing DWWholeFoot
*This step is often used in a corner. This is what the ‘NEW’ LOD indicates. If not used ata corner, the man simply begins backing down LOD and ends facing DW.
Gentleman Tango
58 International Standard
LF RocksRhythm: QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1-Q
LF BackL sideleading
Down LOD NoneIE ofBH
2 2-QTransferweight
fwd to RF
R sideleading
Against LOD - H
3 3,4-QLF back,
smallstep
L sideleading
Down LOD -IE ofBH
RF RocksRhythm: QQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Man1 1-Q
RF back Y Down LOD None BH
2 2-QTransferweight
fwd to LFY Against LOD - H
3 3,4-QRF back,
smallstep
Y Down LOD - BH
Tango Lady
International Standard 59
LF RocksRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1-Q
RF fwdR sideleading
Down LOD None H
2 2-Q
Transferweightback to
LF
L sideleading
Against LOD -IE ofBH
3 3,4-SRF fwd,smallstep
R sideleading
Down LOD - H
RF RocksRhythm: SQQS
PositionStep
BeatFoot
CBMP
CBM
Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Description
Lady1 1-Q
LF Fwd Y Down LOD None H
2 2-Q
Transferweightback to
RF
Y Against LOD - BH
3 3,4-SLF Fwd,
smallstep
Y Down LOD - H
60 International Standard
Foxtrot
Style: International (English) StyleCategory: Modern/Standard BallroomRhythm: 4/4 time (Beats 1 and 3 accentuated, 1 more strongly)Tempo: 30 Bars per minute (Competition)
28-36 Bars per minute (Social)
The Foxtrot is the worlds most popular ballroom dance. This danceoriginated in the United States in 1913 when a Vaudeville stage performernamed Harry Fox would perform the trot as part of his act.
Foxtrot revolutionized ballroom danceThe Foxtrot was a huge leap forward for ballroom dance inasmuch as it
was the first dance to incorporate both Slow (two beat) and quick (one beat)steps.
Considered by many to be the most challenging dance to learn, theInternational Style Bronze syllabus only includes 8 Bronze level figures.
The Foxtrot exhibits a lilting characteristic with slow gradual rise and fall.Swing and Sway are part of this dance as well.
International Standard 61
Foxtrot
Bronze SyllabusFeather Step .................................................................................................................................................. 62Three Step..................................................................................................................................................... 64Reverse Turn W/ Feather Finish................................................................................................................... 66Change of Direction...................................................................................................................................... 68Closed Impetus W/ Feather Finish ............................................................................................................... 70
Useful Amalgamations
[1]Feather StepThree Step
[2]Three StepReverse Turn W/ Feather FinishChange of Direction
[3]Feather StepChange of DirectionFeather -OR- Reverse turn W/ FF
[4]Three StepReverse Turn w/ FFThree Step
[5]1-3 Natural TurnClosed Impetus w/ FFThree Step
Gentleman Foxtrot
62 International Standard
Feather StepRhythm: SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
RF fwd CBMFacing
DCHT R e/o 1
2 3-Q LF fwd*Sway
RFacing
DCT Up *L Shoulder leading
3 4-Q RF fwd,OP
CBMP,Sway
R
FacingDC
THUp,
L e/o 3OP= Outside
Partner
Foxtrot Lady
International Standard 63
Feather StepRhythm: SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
LF Back CBMBacking
DC- TH
NFRe/o 1
NFR= No Foot Rise
2 3-Q RF Side*Sway
LBacking
DC- TH Up *R Shoulder leading
3 4-Q LF BackCBMP,Sway L
BackingDC
- THUp,
L e/o 3
Gentleman Foxtrot
64 International Standard
Three StepRhythm: SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF fwd CBM*Facing
DW- H -
*Slight Body Turn Lbet 1&3
2 3-Q RF fwd Sway LFacing
DW- HT R e/o 2
3 4-Q LF fwd Sway LFacing
DW- TH
Up,L e/o 3
Foxtrot Lady
International Standard 65
Three StepRhythm: SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF Back CBMBacking
DW- TH
2 3-Q LF BackSway
RBacking
DW- TH
NFRe/o 2
3 4-Q RF BackSway
RBacking
DW- TH
Up,L e/o 3
Gentleman Foxtrot
66 International Standard
Reverse Turn W/ Feather FinishRhythm: SQQ,SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF Fwd CBMFacing
DCCom L HT R e/o 1
2 3-Q RF Side Sway LBacking
DW¼ L bet
1&2T Up
3 4-Q LF Back Sway LBacking
LOD1/8 L bet
2&3TH
Up, Le/o 3
4 1,2-S RF Back CBMBacking
LOD Cont L THT R e/o 4
5 3-Q LF side &slt fwd
SwayR
PointingDW
3/8 L bet4&5, BTL T Up
BTL= Body TurnsLess
6 4-Q RF fwd,OP
CBMP,Sway
R
FacingDW
THUp,
L e/o 6OP= Outside
Partner
Foxtrot Lady
International Standard 67
Reverse Turn W/ Feather FinishRhythm: SQQ,SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF Back CBMBacking
DCCom L TH
NFRe/o 1
NFR= No Foot Rise
2 3-Q LF Closeto RF *
SwayR
FacingLOD
3/8 L bet1&2
HT Up *Heel Turn
3 4-Q RF FwdCBMP,Sway
R
FacingLOD
Nil THUp,
L e/o 3
4 1,2-S LF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
Com L HT R e/o 4
5 3-Q RF Side Sway LBacking
Wall¼ L bet
4&5TH Up
6 4-Q LF BackCBMP,Sway L
BackingDW
1/7 L bet5&6, BTL
THUp,
L e/o 3BTL= Body Turns
Less
Gentleman Foxtrot
68 International Standard
Change of DirectionRhythm: SSS
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF fwd CBMFacing
DWCom L H -
2 3,4-S
RF diagfwd, LFclose toRF w/oweight
*SwayL
PointingLOD,End
facingDC
¼ L bet1&2
IE ofTH,thenLF IEof T
-* R shoulder
leading
3 5,6-S LF fwd CBMPFacing
DC- H -
Foxtrot Lady
International Standard 69
Change of DirectionRhythm: SS
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF Back CBMBacking
DWCom L TH -
2 3,4-S
LF diagBack,
then RFclose toLF w/oweight
*SwayR
BackingDW, endbacking
DC
¼ L bet1&2
T,thenRF
IE ofT
- *L Shoulder leading
3 5,6-S RF Back CBMPBacking
DC- TH -
Gentleman Foxtrot
70 International Standard
Closed Impetus W/ Feather FinishRhythm: SQQ,SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1,2-S
LF back CBMBacking
LODCom R TH -
2 3-Q RF Closeto LF*
Sway LFacing
DC3/8 R bet
1&2HT R e/o 2 *Heel Turn
3 4-Q LF side &slt back
BackingDC
A-LOD
¼ R bet2&3
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
4 1,2-S RF back CBMBacking
DCA-LOD
Com L THT R e/o 4
5 3-Q LF side &slt fwd
SwayR
Point DC¼ L bet
4&5, BTLT Up
6 4-Q RF fwd,OP
CBMP,Sway
R
FacingDC
THUp,
Lowere/o 6
Foxtrot Lady
International Standard 71
Closed ImpetusW/ Feather FinishRhythm: SQQ,SQQ
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1,2-S
RF Fwd CBMFacingLOD
Com R HT -
2 3-Q LF SideSway
RBacking
DC3/8 R bet
1&2T R e/o 2
3 4-Q RF diagFwd*
FacingDC
A-LOD
¼ R bet2&3
THUp,
Lowere/o 3
* RF brushed LFbefore stepping
diag Fwd
4 1,2-S LF Fwd CBMFacing
DCA-LOD
Com L HT R e/o 4
5 3-Q RF side Sway LBacking
LOD1/8 L bet
4&5TH Up
6 4-Q LF backCBMP,Sway L
BackingDC
1/8 L bet5&5, BTL
TH
UpNFR,Lowere/o 6
72 International Standard
Viennese WaltzStyle: International StyleCategory: Modern Standard BallroomRhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on 1)Tempo: International
Competition 60 Bars per minuteSocial 56-60 Bars per minute
These ‘preferred’ tempos notwithstanding, the basic figures may bedanced to any waltz played between 44 and 64 bars per minute.
The Viennese Waltz is the classic waltz, more often featured in films thanthe more modern ‘slow Waltz’. This dance is a quick rotating dance with asubtle rise and fall. It is considered a very difficult dance to do properly,even in its simplest forms.
<Note: Write more on history>
Alignments: The Viennese Waltz is a fast-rotating dance, and thereforesome of the alignments given are slightly confusing. In the Viennese Waltza figure may begin with a certain alignment, then rotate 1/8’th of a turnbefore the first step touches the floor.
The alignments listed are the alignments for the feet when they firsttouch the floor.
<I am not really satisfied with these foot diagrams or alignments, do amore careful analysis of alignments and step lengths when I have time>
Phrasing: 8-bar phrases, so do 4 reverse turns, and 4 natural turns in arow
Viennese Waltz
International Standard 73
Table Of Contents
Bronze Syllabus
Left Closed Change ...................................................................................................................................... 74Right Closed Change .................................................................................................................................... 76Reverse Turn / Left Turn ............................................................................................................................ 78Natural Turn / Right Turn............................................................................................................................. 80
At Corner,Underturned Natural TurnOverturned Reverse Turn
Useful Amalgamations[1]4 Reverse Turns (8 bars)1 Left Closed Change3 Natural Turns (6 Bars)1 Right Closed Change<Repeat>
[2]4 Natural Turns (8 Bars)1 Right Closed Change3 Reverse Turns (6 Bars)1 Left Closed Change<Repeat>
Gentleman Viennese Waltz
74 International Standard
Left Closed Change(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man
1 1LF Fwd
SltCBM
ComfacingLOD
* HTRiseE/o 1
* turn 1/8 L through1 & 3
2 2 RF side& slt fwd Sway L * T Up
3 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LEnd
FacingDC
* THUp,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz Lady
International Standard 75
Left Closed Change (Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1RF back Slt cbm
Combacking
LOD* TH
RiseE/o 1
* turn 1/8 L through1 & 3
2 2 LF side &slt back
SwayR
* T Up
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
EndBacking
DC* TH
Up,L e/o 3
Gentleman Viennese Waltz
76 International Standard
Right Closed Change(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man
1 1RF Fwd
SltCBM
Comfacing
DC* HT
RiseE/o 1
* turn 1/8 R through1 & 3
2 2 LF side &slt fwd
SwayR * T Up
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
EndFacingLOD
* THUp,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz Lady
International Standard 77
Right Closed Change(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
LF back Slt cbmCom
backingDC
* THRiseE/o 1
* turn 1/8 R through1 & 3
2 2RF side
& sltback
Sway L * T Up
3 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LEnd
BackingLOD
* THUp,
L e/o 3
Gentleman Viennese Waltz
78 International Standard
Reverse Turn / Left TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
LF fwd CBMFacingLOD
Com L HTRisee/o 1
2 2RF side
& sltback
Sway LBacking
Wall¼ L bet
1&2T Up
3 3LF crossin front of
RFSway L
BackingLOD
¼ L bet2&3 TH
Up,L e/o
3
4 2 RF Back& slt R
CBMBacking
LODCom L TH
Risee/o 4
(NFR)
5 2 LF sideSway
R
Pointingbet DW &
LOD
Slt morethan 3/8 Lbet 4&5
BTL
TBodyrise
BTL=Body TurnsLess
6 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
FacingLOD
Slt lessthan 1/8 Lbet 5&6,
BCT
FlatBodyRise,
L e/o 6
BCT= BodyCompletes Turn
Viennese Waltz Lady
International Standard 79
Reverse Turn / Left TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady1 1
RF Back CBMBacking
LODCom turn
LTH
R e/o1 NFR
NFR=No FootRise
2 2 LF Side SwayR
Pointbet DW& LOD
Slt morethan 3/8bet 1&2,
BTL
TBodyRise
3 3RF
closesto LF
SwayR
FacingLOD
Slt lessthan 1/8bet 2&3,
BCT
FlatBody
R on3,L e/o 3
4 2 LF Fwd CBM FacingLOD
Com L HTR e/o
4
5 2 RF side SwayL
BackingWall
1/4 bet4&5
T Up
6 3LF
close toRF
SwayL
BackingLOD
¼ bet5&6 TH
Up,L e/o 6
Gentleman Viennese Waltz
80 International Standard
Natural Turn / Right TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Man1 1
RF FWD CBMDownLOD
1/8 Rbefore 1
HTRisee/o 1
Com Facing DC
2 2 LF SideSway
RBackingCenter
¼ R bet1&2
T Up
3 3 RF closeto LF
SwayR
BackingDC
1/8 R bet2&3 TH
Up, Le/o 3
4 2LF backand Slt
sideCBM
BackingLOD
1/8 R bet3&4
THNFRe/o 4
5 2 RF Side Sway LPointing
DC3/8 R bet4&5 BTL
TBodyRise
6 3 LF closeto RF
Sway LFacing
DCBCT Flat
BodyRise,
L e/o 6
Viennese Waltz Lady
International Standard 81
Natural Turn / Right TurnRhythm: 123223
PositionStep
BeatFoot Body
Align-ment
Turn Footwork
Rise& Fall
Description
Lady
1 1
LF Back& sltside
CBMBacking
LOD1/8 R
before 1TH
NFRe/o 1
Com Backing DC
2 2 RF side SwayL
PointDC
3/8 R bet1&2 BTL T
BodyRise
3 3LF
Closeto RF
SwayL
FacingDC BCT Flat
BodyRise,
L e/o 3
4 2 RF fwd CBM FacingLOD
1/8 Rbet 3&4
HTRisee/o 4
5 2 LF side SwayR
BackingCenter
¼ R bet4&5
T Up
6 3RF
close toLF
SwayR
BackingDC
1/8 Rbet 5&6
THUp, Le/o 6
Ballroom DancingFor Beginners
Volume: 1
WALTZ- TANGO- FOXTROT-QUICKSTEP-VIENNESE WALTZ
This book will serve as an excellent introductory reference to the practice of ballroomdancing. Many excellent and more comprehensive books have been written on thesubject, and the enthusiastic student is encouraged to seek them out.