Learn how to beautifully dance
the Change of direction
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Change of Direction in the Slow Foxtrot.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, movement, turn, sway, rise & fall and hold — for both the Man/Leader and the Lady/Follower, as per “The Ballroom Technique” publication.
It also contains notes, tips and advice that has been manually collated and typed in, from a variety of online and offline sources, as well as a compilation of (3rd party) YouTube videos demonstrating and teaching how to do a beautiful Change of Direction!
The Change of Direction is usually a bronze level Foxtrot figure. For the full list of Foxtrot figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Foxtrot.
Change of Direction (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |||
| 1 | 12 | S | LF fwd | H T | Facing DW | DW | com to turn L | Closed | |||
| 2 | 34 | S | RF diag fwd, R side leading | i/e of T, H | Pointing LOD | DW | 1/8 (1→2) | L | Closed | ||
| 3 | 56 | S | LF closes to RF without weight | i/e of T | Facing DC | 1/8 (2→3) | L | Closed | |||
| 4 | 78 | S | LF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing DC | DC | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In steps 2 & 3,
- this figure may also be danced SQQ(S)
Change of Direction (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |||
| 1 | 12 | S | RF back | T H | Backing DW | DW | com to turn L | Closed | |||
| 2 | 34 | S | LF diag back, L side leading | i/e of T, H | Backing DW | DW | 1/4 (1→3) | R | Closed | ||
| 3 | 56 | S | Closed RF to LF without weight | i/e of T | Backing DC | R | Closed | ||||
| 4 | 78 | S | RF back in CBMP | T H | Backing DC | DC | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In steps 2 & 3,
- this figure may also be danced SQQ(S)
General Notes
In steps 4-6,
- these are known as the Feather Finish, which is used in the following figures: Reverse Turn & Feather Finish, Closed Impetus & Feather Finish, Cured Feather to Back Feather & Feather Finish
See also general technical notes on Foxtrot technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | Feather Step Reverse Turn & Feather Finish Closed Impetus & Feather Finish (at a corner) Natural Weave Basic Weave |
| Silver | Feather Ending Top Spin Hover Feather Natural Telemark (at a corner) Weave from PP |
| Gold | Natural Twist Turn (at a corner) Natural Twist Turn with Weave Ending Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending (at a corner) Curved Feather to Back Feather & Feather Finish Natural Zig-Zag from Promenade Fallway Reverse & Slip Pivot Natural Hover Telemark (at a corner) Bounce Fallaway with Weave Ending |
Commenced facing LOD
(turning 1/8 to L less during the Change of Direction)
| Bronze | Feather Step Closed Impetus & Feather Finish (at a corner) |
| Silver | Feather Ending Top Spin (at a corner) Hover Feather Natural Telemark (at a corner) |
| Gold | Natural Twist turn (at a corner) Natural Twist turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending (at a corner) Curved Feather to Back Feather & Feather Finish Natural Zig-Zag from Promenade Natural Hover Telemark (at a corner) |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Feather Step |
Ended Facing new LOD
| Bronze | Feather Step Natural Turn Natural Weave |
| Silver | Natural Telemark Hover Cross |
| Gold | Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending Natural Twist Turn with Open Impetus Ending Curved Feather to Back Feather Natural Hover Telemark |
Ended Facing DW of new LOD (at a corner)
| Bronze | Feather Step Natural Turn Natural Weave |
| Silver | Natural Telemark Hover Cross |
| Gold | Natural Twist Turn Natural Twist Turn with Weave Ending Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending Natural Twist Turn with Open Impetus Ending Curved Feather to Back Feather Natural Hover Telemark |
List of Abbreviations
| Timing | S: Slow Q: Quick |
| Steps | RF: Right foot LF: Left foot fwd: forward diag: diagonally CBMP: Contra Body Movement Position i/e: inside edge |
| Footwork | T: Toe H: Heel F: Flat |
| Turn | L: Left R: Right cont: continue com: commence |
| Alignment & Moving | LOD: Line of Dance DC: Diagonal Centre DW: Diagonal Wall |
| Rise & Fall | NFR: no foot rise com: commence cont: continue e/o: end of |
| Position | OP: outside Partner PP: Promenade Position CPP: Counter Promenade Position PO: Partner outside |
| Sway | L: Left R: Right F: Forward |
For a more detailed explanation of terms and abbreviations, see the Glossary.
Demonstrations
These 3rd party (external) demonstration videos typically show the Change of Direction being performed from different angles, perspectives and speeds. However, they generally have little or no commentary or explanation.
For videos that also include commentary and tips that are aimed at assisting you perform the figure properly, see the next section “Tutorials”.