Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.

• For the gentleman, the figure begins by stepping forward with the right foot along the line of dance, using contra body movement to initiate a right turn while maintaining a neutral sway. The footwork is heel to toe, and the rise commences subtly at the end of this first slow count, preparing to lead the lady’s action. The body continues to turn between the first and second steps, bringing the left foot to the side and slightly back, aligning against the diagonal center with the ball of the foot and the body now swaying to the right. The flight across the floor is controlled, with the frame remaining strong and consistent to provide a clear lead; the head looks naturally over the lady’s right shoulder, maintaining a elegant connection and line. Ensure your rise is continuous and controlled to support your partner perfectly through her heel turn.
• On the second quick count, the right foot steps back down the line of dance, completing an eighth of a turn between the previous steps, with the body still held in right sway and the footwork being toe to heel. The turn is achieved through the body and not just the feet, with the hips and shoulders staying level as the lady steps between your feet. The body flight is now checked, with the frame absorbing the lady’s forward energy while the head position remains steady, creating a harmonious and balanced partnership. Keep your shoulders level and your frame expansive to receive your partner’s forward step with stability and grace.
• The fourth step is a slow count, taken back with the left foot down the line of dance, again using contra body movement to commence turning to the right with a neutral sway and no foot rise. The alignment is backing the line of dance, and the footwork is the toe then the heel for this backward step. The body begins to prepare for the upcoming heel pull, with the connection through the frame allowing the lady to feel the change of direction and the upcoming rotation. Maintain a firm but gentle connection through your right hand to guide the lady’s forward movement and prepare for the next phase.
• The fifth step is the heel pull, where the right foot is drawn sideways and slightly forward to face the diagonal center, completing a three-eighths turn between steps four and five, with the body swaying to the left. The footwork is unique: the heel is placed first, then the inside edge of the foot, rolling to the whole foot as the left foot is drawn in with its inside edge. This action checks the backward momentum and redirects the energy forward, with the body sway flowing smoothly from right to left, creating a beautiful curved body line. Use the inside edge of your feet during the heel pull to create a smooth and controlled transition into the final step.
• The figure concludes on a slow count by stepping forward with the left foot toward the diagonal center, with the body turning to the left to align correctly and using contra body movement, all with a neutral sway. The footwork is heel to toe, and there is no rise and fall on this last step. The body flight is once again initiated forward, with the frame leading the lady into the next figure, the head turning slightly to the left to look in the direction of travel, and the connection feeling light and purposeful. Project your energy forward through a strong left side to create a powerful and elegant exit from the figure.

Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.

Core Points

• Initiate the turn with contra body movement on the first step to create a smooth and lead rotation.
• The gentleman’s second step is to the side and slightly back, not forward, to allow space for the lady’s heel turn.
• Complete the heel turn on a flexed knee, not a straight leg, to maintain balance and control.
• The heel pull action on the gentleman’s fifth step uses the inside edge of the foot to control the turn and redirect momentum.

Advanced Elements

• Maintain a consistent and supportive frame throughout to guide and feel your partner’s movements clearly.
• Develop a smooth flow of sway from right to left and back to neutral to enhance the figure’s elegance and fluidity.
• Coordinate the body turn with the footwork to avoid spinning on the spot and to create a traveling, flowing movement.
• Listen to the music to ensure the slow, quick, quick timing of the first half embodies the relaxed yet precise character of the Foxtrot.

Commenced facing DW (as described above)

Commenced facing LOD

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)

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”.