Learn how to beautifully dance
the Basic Weave
The Basic Weave is a beautiful and fundamental Bronze figure in Slow Foxtrot, characterized by its flowing, undulating quality – like silk ribbon weaving through the air
Danced over six steps (sometimes counted as 1-2-3-4-5-6 but sometimes as 3-4-1-2-3-4) to a “Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick” rhythm (S Q Q Q Q Q), it travels primarily down the Line Of Dance (LOD) while turning gently to the left. The overall movement feels like a controlled, continuous wave, achieved through a combination of controlled rise and fall, subtle body sway, and precise Contra Body Movement (CBM).
The magic often lies in the “Weave Ending” (steps 3 to 6), a versatile sequence found in many Foxtrot variations. Steps 3 and 4 can even be repeated for an “Extended Weave,” adding extra undulation.
The Basic Weave is usually a bronze level Foxtrot figure. For the full list of Foxtrot figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the book “Ballrooom Technique” and the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Foxtrot.
Basic Weave (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Count | Timing | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 3 | Q | LF fwd | H T | Facing DC against LOD | DC against LOD | com to turn L | Rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 4 | Q | RF to side | T | Backing LOD | Centre | 1/8 (1→2) | L | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | 1 | Q | LF back in CBMP | T | Backing DC | DC | 1/8 (2→3) body turns less | L | Up. | OP | |
| 4 | 2 | Q | RF back | T | Backing DC | DC | com to turn L | Up. | Closed | ||
| 5 | 3 | Q | LF to side & slightly fwd | T | Pointing DW | DW | 1/4 (5→6) body turns less | R | Up | Closed | |
| 6 | 4 | Q | RF fwd in CBMP | T H | Facing DW | DW | R | Up. Lower e/o 7 | OP |
Count 1 (Slow): Begin facing Diagonal to Centre against the Line of Dance (DC against LOD). Step forward onto your Left Foot (LF), using a Heel-Toe (HT) action. Initiate a gentle turn to the left using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – this means your right shoulder moves slightly forward as your left foot steps. Your alignment remains facing DC against LOD. Start rising smoothly at the end of this slow step. Maintain a very slight sway to the left to prepare for the upcoming side-step. Keep your frame stable and connected, allowing the CBM to signal the turn without pushing the lady off balance. Think of this step as setting the sail for the turn – firm direction with gentle initiation.
Count 2 (Quick): As you continue turning left (about 1/8 between step 1 and 2), step your Right Foot (RF) directly to the side, finishing backing the Line of Dance (LOD). Use the Toe (T) of your foot. Maintain the rise established at the end of count 1. Develop sway to the left – feel your left side stretching gently. The turn happens primarily through your body rotation, not by stepping across yourself. Ensure your side-step is placed comfortably under your body, maintaining your connection point with the lady. Visualize drawing a clean line sideways with your right foot, keeping your upper body poised over it.
Count 3 (Quick): Still backing Diagonal Centre (DC), step your Left Foot (LF) back in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP). CBMP means stepping back along the line of your other foot, almost as if stepping across your standing leg, but crucially, without crossing your feet – maintain alignment. Use your Toe (T). Maintain your left sway and stay “Up”. Your body completes a little more turn left (another 1/8 between step 2 and 3), but your feet turn slightly less (“body turns less”). You will now be in Outside Partner (OP) position relative to the lady. Keep your right side leading slightly to maintain the sway and the turning impetus. This step is like settling into the curve of the turn – controlled, placed, and maintaining the rotational energy.
Count 4 (Quick): Still backing DC, step your Right Foot (RF) straight back (not diagonally), using your Toe (T) and stay up. Begin turning left again using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – your left shoulder moves slightly forward as your right foot steps back. Return your sway to a more neutral position and then slightly to the right in preparation for the next phase. This step is critical for setting the direction for the lady to step forward outside you on her next step. Ensure this step is directly back, not sideways, keeping your hips aligned towards your partner. Your frame should clearly indicate the continuation of the left turn. Keep your frame forward and centered; avoid sitting back. Think of this step as coiling a spring gently – storing the energy needed for the upcoming turn and forward motion without tensing up.
Count 5 (Quick): Step your Left Foot (LF) to the side and slightly forward, pointing towards Diagonal Wall (DW). Use your Toe (T) and stay up. Your body turns left about 1/4 turn between steps 4 and 5, but again, your feet turn slightly less. Your sway now shifts decisively to the right. This step collects your momentum and prepares the final forward step. Keep your body facing slightly towards the Wall while your feet point more towards Diagonally to Wall. This creates the body turn less effect, generating swing for the final step. Lead the follower clearly into the Outside Partner track. Ensure the step is genuinely to the side, allowing space for the lady, with only a slight forward inclination. Keep your right side well presented to the lady. Think of this as opening a door sideways for your partner – create the space clearly with your body position.
Count 6 (Quick): Step forward onto your Right Foot (RF) in CBMP and Outside Partner (OP) position, facing DW. Use a Heel-Toe (TH) action. Maintain sway to the right. Stay up but begin lowering smoothly at the end of this step. This is the classic Feather Step position. Keep your right side gently leading forward to maintain the OP pathway and connection. Envision stepping into a narrow corridor between two hedges – your path is clear and forward, guiding your partner smoothly beside you, with the gentle lowering feeling like settling onto a soft cloud.
Basic Weave (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Count | Timing | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |
| 1 | 3 | Q | RF back | H T | Backing DC against LOD | DC against LOD | com to turn L | Rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 4 | Q | LF to side | T | Pointing DC | Centre | 31/4 (1→2) body turns less | R | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | 1 | Q | RF fwd in CBMP | T | Facing DC | DC | R | Up. | OP | ||
| 4 | 2 | Q | LF fwd | T | Facing DC | DC | com to turn L | Up | Closed | ||
| 5 | 3 | Q | RF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing Wall | DW | 1/8 (5→6) | L | Up | Closed | |
| 6 | 4 | Q | LF back in CBMP | T H | Backing DW | DW | 1/8 (6→7) body turns less | L | Up. NFR Lower e/o 7 | OP |
Count 1 (Slow): Begin backing Diagonal to Centre against the Line of Dance (DC against LOD). Step back onto your Right Foot (RF), using a Heel-Toe (TH) action. Respond to the leader’s Contra Body Movement (CBM) by starting to turn left. Maintain a slight sway to the left. Rise slightly at the end of this slow step. That is, no foot rise (NFR), meaning the heel lowers slightly before rising. Crucially, keep your center (belly button area) constantly oriented towards the leader’s center – this maintains the connection and axis for the turn. Feel the gentle rotational lead through the frame. Imagine your center is magnetized to his – this connection guides your entire movement.
Count 2 (Quick): As the turn continues (about 1/4 left between step 1 and 2), step your Left Foot (LF) directly to the side, finishing pointing Diagonal Centre (DC). Use your Toe (T). You are now fully “Up”. Develop sway to the right. Your body turns slightly less than your feet (“body turns less”). If the leader shapes (leans slightly into the turn), gently turn your head to the right, keeping it level – don’t pop up or let your knees lock; absorb the rise smoothly. Relax your right shoulder down. Keep your knees slightly ahead of your body during the movement; don’t let your head rush past your feet. Think of floating sideways like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze, your head and body moving as one fluid unit guided by the leader’s direction.
Count 3 (Quick): Step forward onto your Right Foot (RF) in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP) and Outside Partner (OP), facing DC and moving down the LOD. Use your Toe (T). Maintain sway to the right and stay “Up”. Your left shoulder will be quite forward at this point. Don’t fall into this step; actively use your standing (Left) leg to push yourself forward past the leader. Engage your glutes and thigh muscles to drive the step, avoiding sitting back or collapsing your hip crease. To create volume and elegance, rotate your hips slightly to the right, extend your left shoulder and head diagonally forward (not down), creating a long, diagonal body line – avoid only bending your upper body backwards. This is the moment to project confidently forward outside the leader, like pushing a swing with your standing leg, creating the power for a beautiful, extended shape without losing connection.
Count 4 (Quick): Still facing DC, step forward onto your Left Foot (LF), using your Toe (T) (though some prefer TH here for drive). Begin turning left again, responding to the leader’s Contra Body Movement (CBM). Maintain a slight sway (transitioning). Stay “Up”. Project forward with your left side leading. Keep your center connected to the leader – do not step into his space or step sideways; step straight forward with the CBM, keeping your left side connected to him. Ensure your left shoulder, spine, and hip connect down to your stepping left foot so you don’t get pulled backward. Think of stepping forward along a tightrope directly in front of you, your left side anchored to the leader.
Count 5 (Quick): Step your Right Foot (RF) to the side and slightly back, finishing backing the Wall. Use a Heel (H) or Heel-Toe (TH) action. Your sway shifts decisively to the left. Your body turns left about 1/8 between steps 4 and 5. Stay “Up”. Swing your right leg freely but keep your head turned left initially. As you transfer weight to your right foot, smoothly turn your foot and head to the left. Let your upper body follow the leader’s lead in order to prepare for the next Outside Partner step. Imagine your head is the last part to follow the turn, like the tail of a kite catching the wind change, maintaining elegant lines.
Count 6 (Quick): Step back onto your Left Foot (LF) in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP), backing Diagonal Wall (DW). Use your Heel-Toe (TH). Maintain sway to the left. Stay “Up”. Remember no foot rise (NFR) and lower smoothly at the end of this step. Your body completes a little more turn left (1/8 between 5 and 6), but your feet turn slightly less. This is the Feather Finish position (OP). Keep your head left and maintain a beautiful, elongated line on your left side as you lower. Feel the connection through the frame as the leader steps forward. Feel like you are settling back onto your left foot with controlled grace, like a feather landing softly, completing the weave shape connected and ready for the next move.
General Notes
Remember its essence: smooth progression, controlled rotation (approx. 1/4 left), elegant rise & fall, and harmonious sway. The “Weave Ending” (steps 3-6) is the versatile heart of this and many other Foxtrot weaves.
- Footwork & Alignment Matter: Precise foot placement (HT, T, TH) ensures smooth weight transfer and balance. Pay close attention to alignments (DC, DW, LOD) – they are your roadmap on the floor. Leaders, ensure your CBMP steps on S3 and S6 guide the follower correctly outside. Followers, step forward on S3 and S4, not sideways into the leader.
- Rise & Fall with Control: Rise smoothly, starting late on S1, staying up through the Quicks, and lowering gracefully at the end of the last Quick (S6). Avoid jerky movements or popping up. Think of a wave building, peaking, and then receding gently.
- Weave Endings are Universal: Steps 4-6 (Man: Back, Side & Slightly Forward, Forward OP / Lady: Forward, Side & Slightly Back, Back OP) form the “Weave Ending.” Mastering this ending is key, as it appears in all Foxtrot Weave variations (Natural Weave, Weave from PP, etc.). Recognize the “critical position” (closed position, leader stepped slightly right, follower stepped left, creating space for the lady to step forward outside) as the launchpad for this ending.
- Patience & Practice: Elegance takes time. Practice slowly, focusing on one element at a time (e.g., just the footwork, then just the rise/fall). Use mirrors or video. Most importantly, dance with your partner, listening and responding. The most beautiful weave feels effortless, like two bodies moving as one flowing entity across the floor.
And as you get more experienced, also focus on:
- Connection is King: Maintain constant, gentle pressure in the frame. Leaders, guide clearly and consistently. Followers, stay centred towards your partner and stay responsive. Avoid collapsing into each other or creating gaps. Your bellies should feel like they are always softly drawn towards each other.
- Sway & CBM for Shape and Turn: Use sway (a gentle lean from the ankles) to counteract the turn and create beautiful body lines. Contra Body Movement (CBM) is essential for initiating turns smoothly without disrupting your partner. It’s the subtle twist in your torso that makes the turn feel integrated, not forced.
- The Weave is a conversation. Feel each other, stay connected, and move as one harmonious unit. Imagine you are silk flowing effortlessly across the floor – smooth, connected, and beautifully shaped.
See also general technical notes on Foxtrot technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | 1-3 Natural Turn |
| Silver | 1-6 Reverse Wave |
| Gold | 1-3 Curved Feather to Back Feather & Feather Finish |
Commenced backing DW
(turning 1/8 less between steps 1-2)
| Silver | Open Natural Turn |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn 1-4 Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Open Telemark Outside Swivel Reverse Wave |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot Bounce Fallaway with Weave Ending |
Ended Facing LOD (having rounded a corner)
| Bronze | Three Step Change of Direction 1-4 of Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Top Spin Outside Swivel Reverse Wave |
Ended Facing DW of new LOD (having rounded a corner)
| Bronze | Three Step Change of Direction 1-4 of Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Top Spin Outside Swivel Reverse Wave |
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 Basic Weave 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”.