Learn how to beautifully dance
the back lock
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Back Lock in the Modern Waltz.
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 personal notes, tips and advice that has been manually collated and typed in, from a variety of online and offline sources.
Also included is a compilation of (3rd party) YouTube videos demonstrating and teaching how to do a beautiful Back Lock!
The Back Lock is usually a bronze level Modern Waltz figure. For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Back Lock (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back in CBMP | T H | Backing DW | DW | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | OP | |||
| 2 | 2 | RF back | T | Backing DW | DW | cont to rise | Closed | |||
| 3 | & | LF crosses in front of RF | T | Backing DW | DW | Cont to rise | Closed | |||
| 4 | 3 | RF diag back | T H | Backing DW | Dw | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
- Although the figure is danced backing DW, the body will back Wall throughout.
In step 1,
- may be danced T H T (using foot rise)
In step 5,
- the following step will be taken in CBMP with the Lady outside.
Back Lock (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing DW | DW | com to rise e/o 1 | OP | |||
| 2 | 2 | LF diag fwd | T | Facing DW | DW | cont to rise | Closed | |||
| 3 | & | RF crosses behind LF | T | Facing DW | DW | cont to rise | Closed | |||
| 4 | 3 | LF diag fwd | T H | Facing DW | DW | Up. Lower e/o 4. | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
- Although the figure is danced backing DW, the body will face Wall throughout.
In step 5,
- the following step will be taken forward in CBMP, OP.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing DW (as described above)
Commenced Backing LOD
Following Figures
Ending Backing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | 4-6 Natural Turn Back Lock Back Whisk Closed Impetus |
| Silver | Open Impetus |
Ended Backing LOD
| Bronze | 4-6 Natural Turn Back Lock Back Whisk Closed Impetus |
| Silver | Open Impetus |
List of Abbreviations
| Steps | RF: Right foot LF: Left foot fwd: forward diag: diagonally CBMP: Contra Body Movement Position |
| 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 Back Lock 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”.