Foxtrot: Natural Turn

 This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Natural Turn 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 Natural Turn!

The Natural Turn 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.

Natural Turn (Man)

Technical Notes (for the Man)

  • may be commenced facing LOD and turned an additional 1/8 between 1-2 to end at normal alignment
Natural Turn (Lady)

Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.

Technical Notes (for Lady)

  • may be commenced backing LOD and turned an additional 1/8 between 1-2 to end at the normal alignment
General Notes

The amount of turn between 4-5 may be decreased at a corner

Alternate timings for steps 4-6 may be used including: SS(S) and SQQ

See also general technical notes on Foxtrot technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.

Preceding Figures

Commenced facing DW (as described above)

Commenced facing LOD

Following Figures

Ended Facing DC (along side, as described above)

Ended Facing new LOD (into a corner)
(having turned only 1/4 between 4-5)

Ended Facing DW of new LOD (at a corner)

List of Abbreviations

For a more detailed explanation of terms and abbreviations, see the Glossary.

Demonstrations

These 3rd party (external) demonstration videos typically show the Natural Turn 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”.

Demonstration of the Foxtrot Natural Turn. [00:26] @RichardBooth