Learn how to beautifully dance
the back lock
Bronze Level Figure. A backward locking step sequence against the line of dance.
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The Back Lock injects rhythmic drive and controlled progression into the Waltz, often concluding sequences like the Progressive Chassé to Right. This four-step figure demands precise foot placement, coordinated sway, and a consistent rise to maintain the dance’s flowing character. Imagine a river current momentarily swirling back on itself before continuing its graceful journey downstream.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
- Count 1 (Slow): Commence backing Diagonal Wall (DW), stepping back onto the Left Foot in CBMP, leading the Lady into Outside Partner position; use strong CBM to initiate the slight left turn tendency. Keep the heel down initially, feeling pressure through the ball of the foot, and commence rising smoothly at the end of the beat without foot rise. Ensure your left shoulder guides the Lady clearly into the Outside Position while maintaining a firm, supportive frame.
- Count 2 (Quick): Step back onto the Right Foot, moving directly down the Line of Dance (LOD), keeping the body backing Wall despite the feet moving DW; continue rising smoothly throughout this step. Maintain a slight left-side lead and gentle forward poise to stay connected with the Lady’s forward drive. Keep the frame steady and centered, allowing the body flight to carry you back without collapsing the upper body.
- Count & (Quick): Cross the Left Foot tightly in front of the Right Foot (“locking”), still backing DW, maintaining the rise achieved; this crossing action creates the characteristic lock step. Ensure the crossing is precise and under the body, maintaining a consistent body line without tilting. Focus on a strong connection through the center of the frame to lead the Lady’s corresponding lock step accurately.
- Count 3 (Slow): Step back diagonally onto the Right Foot, still backing DW, completing the slight left turn tendency; hold the highest point of rise and then lower smoothly at the very end of the beat. Maintain a subtle left sway to counteract the backward movement and preserve elegant lines. Sustain the connection and body flight throughout the step, preparing smoothly for the next figure, often another backward step in CBMP.
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 |
- Count 1 (Slow): Step forward onto the Right Foot in CBMP, moving down the LOD into Outside Partner position facing DW; accept the Man’s lead with slight CBM. Commence rising smoothly at the end of the beat, using heel lead with pressure, stretching up through the right side of the body/rib cage for counterbalance. Keep the head firmly left, shoulders level (avoid dropping the right shoulder), and maintain a forward poise into the Man’s frame.
- Count 2 (Quick): Step forward diagonally onto the Left Foot, facing DW (body facing Wall), continuing the rise; ensure feet point parallel down the LOD. Keep hips turned slightly towards the Man while keeping the upper body square to him initially, feeling the stretch through the right side. Maintain constant pressure into the floor with the standing leg for power and stability, driving the step.
- Count & (Quick): Cross the Right Foot tightly behind the Left Foot (“locking”), facing DW, maintaining the rise; this step is led by the Man moving slightly more toward LOD relative to the previous step. Keep the feet parallel and the crossing action precise and under the body, maintaining the body’s facing alignment. Feel the Man’s lead for the lock through the frame and respond with controlled footwork, keeping the body compact.
- Count 3 (Slow): Step forward diagonally onto the Left Foot, facing DW (body facing Wall), holding the highest point of rise and lowering smoothly at the very end of the beat. Maintain the elegant body line with a subtle right sway, stretching tall through the spine. Ensure the next step, often forward in CBMP outside partner, is prepared for with continuous flow and connection.
General Notes
Core Points
- Precise Locking: The tight cross (Man front, Lady behind) on the “&” count is essential for the figure’s character and smooth transition; ensure feet are parallel to LOD.
- CBMP & OP: The first step for both partners is in CBMP, with the Lady in Outside Partner position, establishing the alignment and connection.
- Rise & Fall: Commence rise at the end of beat 1, continue rising through beats 2 and “&”, hold the rise on beat 3, and lower smoothly at the end of beat 3; avoid early or jerky rise.
- Alignment Consistency: While feet move DW, the Man’s body consistently backs Wall, and the Lady’s body consistently faces Wall throughout the figure.
Advanced Principles
- Sway: Employ subtle left sway (Man) and right sway (Lady) during the backward/forward progression to maintain balance, counter momentum, and create beautiful opposing body lines; avoid leaning.
- Body Flight & Connection: Maintain consistent, controlled body flight down the LOD, driven from the standing leg; the connection through the frame must be firm and communicative, especially during the lock step.
- Elegant Lines: Focus on lengthening the spine, keeping shoulders level (Lady avoids dropping right shoulder), head position held (Lady head left), and maintaining poise to create harmonious and graceful shapes.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man steps too wide on step 1 or 2 | Keep steps under the body, maintaining balance and connection. |
| Lady uses heel lead on quick steps | Use toe only on quick steps (2 and &) for agility and smooth rise. |
| Incomplete turn or body misaligned | Maintain consistent body facing (Man back Wall, Lady face Wall) throughout. |
| Jerky or early rise/fall | Commence rise only at the end of beat 1, lower smoothly at end of beat 3. |
| Collapsed frame during lock step | Sustain frame strength and center connection, especially on the “&” count. |
| Lady drops right shoulder | Focus on stretching up through the right side rib cage, keeping shoulders level. |
“The sigh of a wave receding, gathering strength to return.”
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”.