Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.

Step 1 (S): Right Foot Forward. Commence facing diagonal to the wall (DW) in closed position. Step forward onto your right foot (RF), moving down the line of dance (LOD), using a heel-toe (HT) action. Begin a gentle right turn using contra-body movement (CBM) – this means rotating your upper body slightly to the right against the direction of your stepping leg. Maintain a neutral body sway initially. Start rising slightly at the very end of this slow count, initiated from your feet and ankles. Keep your frame stable and connected; this initial turn sets the stage. Imagine your right shoulder gently inviting the Lady forward and slightly across your path as you step, like opening a door for her.

Step 2 (Q): Left Foot to Side. Now step side (not diagonally!) onto your left foot (LF), aligning yourself so you are now backing almost diagonal to center (almost DC). Use the toe (T) of your foot. Continue the right turn, aiming for just under 3/8 turn total between counts 1 and 2. Introduce a gentle sway to your right side. Maintain the rise initiated at the end of count 1; you should be “Up” on the ball of your foot. Focus on transferring weight smoothly and continuing the body rotation initiated with CBM. Think of this step as “collecting” the turn – don’t rush it, let the rotation flow through your body from your center, keeping your left side connected to the Lady.

Step 3 (Q): Right Foot Back. Step right foot back, on your toe (T), leading strongly with your right side leading, now backing DC. Complete a slight additional right turn between steps 2–3. Rise remains up; sway neutralizes. Footwork is toe-only. Crucially, keep your left side forward to create space for the follower. Avoid leaning back; instead, anchor through your core.  Visualize stepping under yourself, keeping your frame directly over your supporting foot, creating a clear pathway for the Lady to step forward outside partner (OP)..

Step 4 (Q): Left Foot Back in CBMP. Step back onto your left foot (LF), but now use contra-body movement position (CBMP). This means stepping back with your left foot, but keeping your left hip and shoulder slightly forward, crossing your body’s center line. You are still backing DC. Use your toe (T). Introduce sway to your left side. Stay “Up”. The CBMP is vital here as it signals the Lady to step forward outside your body (OP). Keep your frame rotated slightly to the right to maintain her OP line. Keep hips aligned—no sticking out! Drawing your shoulder blades together as this lifts your frame elegantly. Imagine you are creating a “gateway” with your left side back and left hip forward, inviting the Lady to pass cleanly through on her next step.

Step 5 (Q): Right Foot Back. Step back again onto your right foot (RF), still backing DC. Use your toe (T). Now commence turning to the left using contra-body movement (CBM) – rotate your upper body slightly left against the stepping leg. Sway returns to neutral. Stay “Up”. This step initiates the change of direction and the “weave” feeling. Keep your weight moving backwards smoothly, preparing for the side-step. Imagine winding a clock spring: controlled tension precedes release.

Step 6 (Q): Left Foot Side/Slightly Forward. Step side and slightly forward onto your left foot (LF), pointing diagonal to wall (DW). Use your toe (T). Turn about 1/4 to the left between counts 5 and 6 (your body will turn slightly less). Introduce sway to your right side. Stay “Up”. This step swings around, changing your alignment significantly. Focus on swinging your left side freely around your turning center. Imagine your left foot swinging forward like a pendulum, carrying your body naturally into the new direction, maintaining connection through your right side to the Lady.

Count 7 (Quick) Right Foot Forward in CBMP. Step forward, diagonally across your body and outside partner (in CBMP & OP), onto your right foot (RF), now facing DW. Use a toe-heel (TH) action. Maintain sway to your right. Stay “Up” but begin lowering at the very end of this count (Lower e/o 7). This step is the “feather” finish – long, forward, and slightly across in CBMP. Keep your upper body facing the wall (or slightly less than your feet) to prepare for the next figure. Envision offering your elbow to a companion: generous but precise.

Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD.

The Natural Weave is a beautiful testament to partnership and flow in the Slow Foxtrot. Remember these key elements for both roles: 

• Timing is paramount – savor the Slow, move decisively on the Quicks. 
• Rise and Fall should be subtle and continuous, initiated from the feet and ankles, absorbed through the knees – avoid popping or dropping. 
• Outside Partner (OP) positioning on specific steps (Man 7, Lady 4 & 7) requires clear leading through the Man’s frame and CBMP, and attentive following through the Lady’s side leading (don’t drop shoulder) and her entire body rotation (not just feet) to achieve this position.

As you get more experienced, also focus on:

• Sway is a gentle, whole-body incline, changing fluidly with the direction of the turn; it’s not a broken waistline. 
• Maintain forward momentum throughout the figure. Practice the “Weave Ending” (steps 4-7) as a unit to grasp its characteristic flow into the feather finish.

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

Commenced facing DW (as described above)

Commenced facing LOD

Commenced in PP (moving down LOD)

Commenced in PP (moving DW)

Ended Facing DW (along the side of the floor)

Ended Facing DW (into a corner)

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