Learn how to beautifully dance
the contra Check
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Contra Check in the Modern Waltz.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, turn, rise & fall, contrary body movement, sway, direction of movement, and hold — for both the Man/Leader and the Lady/Follower, as per “The Ballroom Technique” publication.
It also contains written 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 Contra Check!
The Contra Check is usually a gold 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.
Contra Check (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd CBMP (split weight) | H F | Facing LOD | DW | 1/8 to L body turns more | down with flexed knees | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | Transfer weight to RF, then brush LF to RF | T | Backing DC against LOD | under body | 1/8 to R body turns more | rise e/o 2 | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF to side | T H | Pointing LOD | LOD | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Technical Notes for Man
In step 1,
- Although step 1 is taken in CBMP, the feet twist as the step is taken and end crossed.
- Moving is DW almost LOD
- Footwork for LF could be HF or ball flat
- Look towards lady
In step 3,
- Turn may be made between 2→3 to end in Promenade Position moving Diagonal Centre.
Contra Check (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back CBMP (split weight) | T H | Backing LOD | DW | 1/8 to L body turns more | Down with flexed knees | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | Transfer weight to LF, then brush RF to LF | T | Facing DC against LOD | under body | 1/8 to R body turns more | rise e/o 2 | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | RF to side | T H | Facing DC | LOD | 1/4 to R (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Technical Notes for Lady
In step 1,
- Your steps need to feel more free. Do not bend straight back, as there is rotation and your head continues to extend go along body line.
- Preparatory: bend/lower your left knee. Your shoulder should level-off, and rotate your hips to the left. Don’t send your stomach muscle forward (that is, don’t stick your tummy up to the Man at this time. Connect your centre into his hip joint. Hip has to be able to move)
- Point your right foot forward first (your right foot toe turned in for better balance), then on the ball of your feet, keep your right heel up (solid, not your heel moving down and then up), Ensure your weight is split. Rotate your body to the left, but keep your left side up to the Man (though your body is turning to the left and shaping). Don’t break neck.
- Keep your left toe down on the floor. Do not lift your Left toe. Your left foot should be pretty much flat on the floor.
- Flex both knees at this time, with your weight in the middle (not on your back foot). Get there first, then give your right hip and ribs to the Man for extension. Your left leg can go more straight at this time, which will allow for more extension. Put a bit more weight on the right foot, take your centre back, but keep your right heel up and ensure your right leg is bent, and then extend your upper body diagonally back. Extend your right arm to the Man
- Your upper body will have the appearance that it is rotating/shaping to the left, but don’t rotate away from the Man. Keep your upper body and hip to the Man. Your head finishes the extension with breathing. Don’t be afraid to extend your head more. Go into the Man’s right hand.
- Your whole body is not one straight piece. There is torch (?) in upper body – rotation and sway (don’t just bend backwards) and at tail end, stretch even more before recovering. The elasticity does not stop.
- Maintain continuous extension all the way to the head. Ensure your upper body is not locked and still, but stay soft and flexible. Go and fill the space the Man has created with his right arm/hand.
- Don’t “sit“. Don’t just go “down” as this will feel heavy. Ensure continuous shaping and then bounce up. The Man will start recovering after you have finished extending your head.
- Your arms belong to your partner. Never pull your arms back – extend them to give space.
- Regarding your frame: breathe as your frame needs to feel “free”. Create the elastic feeling of conitnuouis movement out and then come back. (That is, don’t stop and then rotate). Your movement should be smooth and light
In step 2,
- Push off your back foot into Promenade Position. Time the push-off together to synchronize with the Man. Your feet swivel underneath your body. You both need to be individually balanced.
- Make sure to stay very left (it’s very common to shift to the right and get into the Man’s space). Keep a big frame and give your right side to the Man. Don’t fall into Promenade Position.
- At the end, ensure your articulate your head turn
In step 3,
- Remember to articulate your head
- Make sure your right side is to the Man
- Prepare for the next step by lowering first and then take a big step
General Notes
Focus on smoothness, rotation, elasticity, lightness, and softness.
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Facing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) |
| Silver | Reverse Pivot |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Commenced Facing Wall
(Man turning 1/8 to L between steps 2→3, and the Lady only 1/8 to R)
| Gold | Left Whisk |
Following Figures
Ready to move down LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Chassé from Promenade |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Wing |
| Gold | Left Whisk |
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
A list of 3rd party (external) videos that demonstrate the Modern Waltz Contra Check.