Learn how to beautifully dance
the chassé from Promenade
Bronze Level Figure. Smooth transition from promenade to closed position with a light chassé.
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The Chassé from Promenade Position elegantly shifts partners from an open to closed alignment while maintaining flow down the line of dance. This figure is essential for seamless transitions after promenade-based steps like the Whisk, offering both practicality and rhythmic clarity. Like a river merging into the sea, its gentle rise and fall captures the timeless beauty of Waltz’s undulating motion.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 | – |
Count 1 (RF forward in PP and CBMP):
Step forward diagonally to the wall along the line of dance with the right foot in promenade position and CBMP, ensuring the body faces the wall without turning. Use slight CBM to maintain alignment and commence rising at the end of the step by pressing into the ball of the foot. Keep the heel lightly touching initially for balance, then transfer weight fully to the right foot. Project the body forward with controlled momentum, maintaining a firm but flexible frame to guide the lady. Sustain connection through the right side of the torso, with head looking toward the direction of travel. Ensure no sway by keeping the spine upright and centered over the hips. Drive powerfully into the floor to initiate seamless motion without rushing.
Count 2 (LF to side and slightly forward):
Move the left foot side and slightly forward along the line of dance, keeping shoulders parallel to the wall and hips aligned under the torso. Continue rising smoothly while allowing no body turn, focusing on stability through the left toe. Rotate the upper body slightly left to close the lady, ensuring hips remain quiet and controlled. Extend the frame subtly leftward to support the lady’s turn, maintaining head position toward the line of dance. Keep the connection firm through both hands, with right palm guiding the lady’s back blade. Avoid sway by distributing weight evenly between both feet. Stabilize the frame during rotation to prevent leaning or collapsing.
Count & (Close RF to LF):
Close the right foot to the left foot with minimal weight transfer, aligning feet parallel under the body and facing diagonally to the wall. Continue rising while holding the body high, ensuring knees remain soft and ankles flexible. Hold the frame steady as the lady completes her turn, with shoulders level and left arm forward at eye height. Maintain gentle resistance in the connection to avoid pulling the lady off balance. Keep the head poised and eyes focused ahead, with spine neutral to prevent sway. Close the feet precisely to consolidate balance before the next step.
Count 3 (LF to side and slightly forward):
Step side and slightly forward with the left foot along the line of dance, finishing with feet apart and body facing diagonally to the wall. Lower smoothly to the heel at the end of this step, controlling the descent through the ankles. Prepare for the next step by settling weight fully onto the left foot and squaring the body to the wall. Sustain a symmetrical frame with elbows relaxed but engaged, and head still directed toward the line of dance. Reinforce connection by matching the lady’s resistance without forcing movement. Complete the lowering with control to anchor the figure gracefully.
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) | – |
Count 1 (LF forward in PP and CBMP):
Step forward diagonally to the center along the line of dance with the left foot in promenade position and CBMP, initiating a quarter turn left with CBM. Commence rising at the step’s end by rolling through the foot from heel to toe, keeping the body aligned toward the center. Stretch the right side toward the man while keeping shoulders parallel to his, creating a strong diagonal line. Maintain head position to the left over the left shoulder, with gaze directed down the line of dance. Hold the frame expansive but connected, resisting gently against the man’s right hand. Extend the left leg fully to maximize power and elegance.
Count 2 (RF to side):
Move the right foot side along the line of dance, completing an eighth turn left to back the wall while continuing the rise. Keep hips closed to the man and upper body rotated left, allowing the head to begin turning toward him. Sustain sway-free posture by stacking the spine over the hips and lifting the ribcage. Focus on fluid body flight, using momentum from step 1 rather than driving anew. Keep the left side connected to the man’s frame, with elbows softly rounded. Avoid overstepping by aligning weight over the inside edge of the right foot.
Count & (Close LF to RF):
Close the left foot to the right foot, finishing with feet together and backing diagonally to the wall while turning the head fully to the man. Hold the rise as the body completes the final eighth turn left, keeping shoulders level and frame symmetrical. Settle weight evenly on both feet without lowering, engaging the core for balance. Extend the right side toward the man to preserve connection and frame integrity. Ensure the torso remains upright and centered to prevent backward tilt. Pause to stabilize weight before stepping back, creating “suspense” in the movement.
Count 3 (RF to side and slightly back):
Step side and slightly back with the right foot along the line of dance, backing diagonally to the wall while lowering to the heel at the step’s end. Control the descent by softening the knees and ankles, keeping the body aligned over the hips. Rotate the upper body slightly right to prepare for the man’s outside step, lifting the left hip for elegance. Maintain frame stability by stretching the left shoulder forward and keeping the head turned left toward the man. Move diagonally back—not directly side—to align perfectly with the leader.
General Notes
- Forward step in CBMP: Ensures proper body alignment and prevents collision, as crossing the foot in promenade position maintains partner distance.
- Precise footwork (HT-T-T-TH): Creates smooth weight transitions and supports controlled rise and fall, avoiding staccato movement.
- No body turn for leader: Keeps partners square to the wall, enabling seamless outside partner steps in subsequent figures.
- Quarter left turn for follower: Allows transition to closed position, executed gradually across steps 1–3 for fluidity.
Advanced Elements
- Frame rotation (leader): Gently turns the follower to closed position without force, preserving harmony and avoiding “jerky” motion.
- Sustained rise through steps 2–3: Creates the illusion of floating, enhancing Waltz’s characteristic lightness and continuity.
- Head turn timing (follower): Completes during the close (count &), matching body rotation smoothly to convey grace and connection.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Stomping during the chassé | Glide steps smoothly, using toe leads. |
| Incomplete turn by lady | Rotate the body fully across steps 1–3. |
| Early lowering on step 3 | Lower only at the very end of step 3. |
| Collapsed frame in turns | Stretch the right side (lady) or left side (man) to maintain space. |
| Rushed timing on “&” step | Practice counting “2-and-3” with even half-beats. |
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”.