Learn how to beautifully dance
the chassé from Promenade
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Chassé from Promenade 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 Chassé from Promenade!
The Chassé from Promenade is usually a pre-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.
Chassé from Promenade (Man)
Commence in Promenade Position, feet facing DW, body facing Wall.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing DW | LOD | 1 | – | com to rise e/o 1 | PP | |
| 2 | 2 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T | Facing DW | LOD | – | cont to rise | PP | ||
| 3 | & | RF closes to LF | T | Facing DW | under body | – | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 4 | 3 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T H | Pointing DW | LOD | – | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed | ||
| (5) | (1) | RF fwd in CBMP, OP | H | Facing DW | 5 | – |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
Chassé from Promenade (Lady)
Commence in Promenade Position, feet facing DC, body facing Centre.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd & across in CBMP | H T | Facing DC | LOD | 1 | com to turn L | – | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing Wall | LOD | 1/8 (1→2) | – | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | & | LF closes to RF | T | Backing DW | Under Body | 1/8 (2→3) body turns less | – | cont to rise | PP | |
| 4 | 3 | RF side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | – | Up. Lower e/o 4 | PP | ||
| (5) | (1) | LF back in CBMP,OP | T | backing DW | (5) | – |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced moving down LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Whisk Back Whisk Basic Weave ended in PP Outside Change ended in PP |
| Silver | Open Impetus (at a corner) Open Telemark Turning Lock to L ended in PP Weave from Promenade in Promenade |
| Gold | Contra Check Turning Lock to R (at a corner) |
Commenced moving DC
| Bronze | Whisk Back Whisk |
| Silver | Open Impetus Turning Lock to Left ended in PP |
| Gold | Turning Lock to Right |
Following Figures
Ending facing DW (as described above)
Ended Facing LOD
| Bronze | Basic Weave commenced fwd OP |
| Gold | Closed Wing |
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 Chassé from Promenade 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”.