Learn how to beautifully dance
the contra Check
Gold Level Figure. A dramatic split-weight pose, creating suspended elegance.
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The Contra Check is a Gold-level Waltz figure renowned for its sculpted lines and dynamic tension. It combines controlled rotation with a striking pause, embodying the dance’s lyrical drama like a suspended breath in a sonnet. Mastering this figure elevates expressiveness through precise weight transfers and harmonious counterbalance between partners.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
Count 1
Step forward on the left foot in CBMP toward diagonal wall, leading with the heel before lowering to flat, while turning the body 1/8 left to face line of dance. Flex both knees to lower smoothly, using CBM to initiate rotation without displacing the frame. Keep shoulders level and maintain gentle forward sway as the right foot remains in place with split weight. Anchor your frame to support the lady’s extension while grounding through the left heel for stability.
Count 2
Transfer weight fully back onto the right foot, rising to the toe as the body turns 1/8 right to back diagonal center. Draw the left foot to the right without weight, keeping knees softly flexed to control momentum. Rotate the torso smoothly to guide the lady into promenade position, ensuring hips align with shoulders. Sustain rise through the right toe while directing rotation from the center to avoid tilting.
Count 3
Step side-left into promenade position along line of dance, lowering to the heel with controlled descent. Maintain upright posture facing diagonal wall, allowing natural sway to dissolve as weight settles evenly. Complete the figure by softening knees on the “&” after beat 3. Lead the transition to promenade with unified torso rotation, not arm pressure.
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 |
Count 1
Step back on the right foot in CBMP, toe turned slightly inward, lowering to the toe-heel while rotating the body 1/8 left. Flex both knees deeply, extending the left side toward the man as ribs and hips yield into rotational sway. Keep the left toe lightly on the floor and head left, elongating the neck without breaking the line. Extend through the right side like a unfolding wing, offering space rather than weight.
Count 2
Transfer weight forward onto the left foot, rising to the toe while turning 1/8 right to face diagonal center. Swivel the feet under the body, keeping the right side stretched toward the man and frame expansive. Initiate head turn to promenade direction as weight shifts. Push from the ball of the right foot to generate lightness, not momentum.
Count 3
Step side-right into promenade position, completing a 1/4 right turn to face diagonal center, then lower to the heel. Sustain body rise until the end of the beat before relaxing knees. Hold the promenade frame with right side arched toward the man. Arrive in promenade with continuous upward energy, as if floating into place.
General Notes
Core Points
- Begin with deep knee flexion on count 1 for controlled descent; abrupt lowering disrupts balance.
- Rotate bodies uniformly (not just feet) during weight transfers; disjointed turns cause misalignment.
- Lead the lady’s extension with torso rotation, not arms, to maintain connection.
- Time rise gradually across beat 2; jerky elevation breaks the Waltz’s fluidity.
- End promenade steps along line of dance; drifting sideways truncates movement.
- Apply CBMP strictly on count 1 to create space for the lady’s back step.
Advanced Elements
- Sway emerges from rib rotation, not leaning; forced inclines collapse the frame.
- Extend the lady’s head fully on count 1 to complete the “torch” line aesthetic.
- Keep frame resilient yet yielding during the check; rigidity inhibits rebound.
- Match rotational energy between partners; mismatched speed causes stumbling.
- Sustain musical tension during the pause; rushing dissipates dramatic impact.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leader steps forward without CBMP, crowding lady | Step diagonally across the body to create space for rotation. |
| Lady collapses ribs backward instead of rotating | Initiate extension from the hip socket while keeping spine aligned. |
| Rise forced on beat 2 instead of gradual elevation | Let lift develop naturally from ankle extension and body momentum. |
| Flat sway from leaning, not torso rotation | Twist ribs over hips to create organic curve without tilting. |
| Frame stiffens during lady’s extension | Keep arms supple, allowing expansion and contraction like breathing. |
| Lady’s head pulls away from man’s hand | Extend neck along body line, filling the space he offers. |
| Early descent on beat 3, cutting musical phrase | Lower knees only after full weight transfer on “&” count. |
“Two trees leaning into one wind, roots entwined below.”
“A suspension bridge between heartbeats.”
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.