Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.

Count 1 (RF back):
Step back on the right foot along diagonal wall, heel first, with slight left-side leading to create contra body movement. Keep shoulders parallel to hips while initiating a gentle left-turn intention, maintaining a soft knee to absorb momentum. Lower into the step without rise, ensuring weight transfers fully to the right foot. Avoid collapsing the frame by engaging the core and back muscles. Sustain forward body flight toward the lady, with the head held naturally left and eyes directed over her right shoulder. Maintain a firm but flexible frame through the arms, allowing the connection to guide her forward energy. Focus on grounding the heel firmly to stabilize the partnership before progressing.

Count 2 (LF forward):
Advance the left foot forward along diagonal center against line of dance, using heel-toe footwork, with contra body movement amplifying the left-turn initiation. Rise slightly at the end of this step, driven by the left leg pushing into the floor, while keeping the body aligned toward the lady. Limit upper-body rotation to allow the hips to lead the turn, ensuring smooth weight transition. Project body flight diagonally forward, keeping the head poised left and frame expansive but not rigid. Harmonize sway by elongating the right side subtly, matching the lady’s movement without forcing position. Drive from the standing leg to create effortless rise, avoiding jerky elevation.

Count 3 (RF side):
Step the right foot side and slightly back toward line of dance, toe-heel, completing 1/8 left turn between counts 2–3. Rise fully with controlled ankle extension, lowering at the step’s end while aligning shoulders to back line of dance. Keep hips forward to minimize overturning, using CBM to prepare for the next bar. Sustain gentle left sway by stretching the left side upward, with head turning slightly right to follow the turn. Preserve connection through a responsive right arm, ensuring the lady feels guided into the weave. Time the rise to peak at count 3’s midpoint for seamless descent.

Count 4 (LF back in CBMP):
Step back on the left foot in CBMP into outside partner position, toe-heel, backing diagonal center. Commence rise at the step’s end with no foot rise, keeping the body upright and left shoulder leading. Rotate the torso left to face the lady diagonally, ensuring hips remain under the frame. Float body flight backward with controlled momentum, head turning left to maintain visual connection. Anchor the frame through the right side, allowing the lady space to step forward. Keep the spine tall to prevent leaning into the step.

Count 5 (RF back):
Draw the right foot back under the body along diagonal center, toe only, continuing the left turn with contra body movement. Rise progressively, using ankle articulation to lift smoothly, while aligning shoulders backing diagonal center. Transfer weight without hesitation, maintaining forward body flight toward the lady. Sustain sway by elongating the left side, head held gracefully left. Strengthen the frame’s left side to support her forward motion. Use CBM to unwind the turn naturally, not forcefully.

Count 6 (LF side/slightly forward):
Step left foot side and slightly forward toward line of dance, toe-heel, completing 1/4 left turn (body turns less). Align feet pointing diagonal wall, rising fully and lowering at the step’s end. Keep hips relaxed to allow sway to dissolve naturally. Project body flight down line of dance, with head turning left to face the direction of travel. Ensure frame remains symmetrical to welcome promenade or continuation. Balance weight evenly across the foot to exit with stability.

Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.

Count 1 (LF forward):
Step forward on the left foot along diagonal wall, heel-toe, with contra body movement and soft knees. Lower fully without rise, keeping the body centered over the foot. Allow the right side to stretch gently toward the man, initiating diagonal flight. Maintain a light head position right, eyes toward the man’s left shoulder. Keep the frame supple to absorb his lead. Initiate from the core to prevent rushing.

Count 2 (RF back):
Step back on the right foot along diagonal center against line of dance, toe only, rising slightly at the end. Use CBM to start the left turn, keeping hips aligned under the shoulders. Transfer weight decisively, elongating the spine to create body flight backward. Sustain sway by stretching the left side upward, head turning left to follow the turn. Hold the frame steady to support his forward momentum. Draw the step under the body to avoid leaning.

Count 3 (LF side):
Move the left foot side toward center, toe-heel, rising fully and lowering at the end. Complete 1/4 left turn (body turns less), aligning shoulders pointing diagonal center. Elevate through the arches for smooth rise, keeping hips forward. Float body flight laterally with gentle right sway, head tilting naturally right. Soften the right arm to allow man’s guidance. Sync rise with the man’s elevation for unity.

Count 4 (RF forward in CBMP):
Step forward on the right foot in CBMP into outside partner position, heel-toe. Commence rise at the step’s end, relaxing the right side downward to create diagonal body lines. Keep the body behind the foot, avoiding premature shoulder rotation. Project body flight forward with expansive frame, head held left. Allow connection to dictate pace without tension. Drive through the heel to generate power.

Count 5 (LF forward):
Advance the left foot forward along diagonal center, toe only, continuing the left turn with CBM. Rise progressively, using spine extension to lift. Move with sustained flight, swaying naturally left as the body unwinds. Keep the head poised left, frame responsive to his lead. Engage the standing leg to control elevation.

Count 6 (RF side/slightly back):
Step the right foot side and slightly back toward line of dance, toe-heel, backing diagonal wall. Complete 1/4 left turn (body turns less), rising fully and lowering smoothly. Align shoulders backing diagonal wall, dissolving sway neutrally. Glide body flight backward, head turning right toward the man. Prepare the frame for promenade or feather finish. Ground the toe-heel transition to exit gracefully.

Core Points

• Heel leads on forward steps (Counts 1, 4): Ensure clean weight transfer and prevent stumbles by rolling through the foot.
• Contra body movement (Counts 2, 5): Amplifies turns without disrupting alignment; rotate shoulders minimally.
• Rise timing: Commence rise late on Count 2/5, peak mid-Count 3/6, and lower smoothly at each step’s end.
• Backing alignments (Counts 1, 4): Strict diagonal orientations prevent drifting and maintain floorcraft precision.

Advanced Elements

• Sway dissolution (Count 6): Release sway gently to neutral for seamless transitions, avoiding abrupt straightening.
• Frame elasticity: Yield to the partner’s pressure without collapsing, creating harmonious counterbalance.
• Body flight continuity: Flow diagonally between steps like a pendulum, sustaining momentum through hip-led motion.

Commenced backing DW (as described above)

Commenced backing Wall of new LOD
(turning 1/4 to L between steps 2-3)

Ending Pointing DW (as described above)

Ended in PP
(Ready to move down LOD)

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