Learn how to beautifully dance
the Drag Hesitation
This page gives detailed information on how to dance a Drag Hesitation 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 Drag Hesitation!
The Drag Hesitation is an optional silver 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.
Drag Hesitation (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing LOD | LOD | 1 | com to turn L | – | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing Wall | LOD | 1/4 (1→2) | – | rise e/o 2 | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF closes to RF without weight | RF: T H | Backing DW | 1/4 (2→3) | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 2,
- remember that your left isde is the axis point. Stay down at the beginning. Rise takes place when your righ tleg passes your body.
- Optional to add sway, then level off at 3
in step 4,
- the following step will be take back in CBMP with the Lady outside
Drag Hesitation (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | 1 | com to turn L | – | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | LF to side | T | Facing Wall | LOD | 1/4 (1→2) | – | rise e/o 2 | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF closes to LF without weight | LF: T H | Facing DW | Under Body | 1/8 (2→3) | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- your right shoulder should relax down and connect to your foot at the axis point. Rotate your left hip.
In step 2,
- there is a slight foot swivel between 2 and 3
- Your body will turn slightly less than 3/8
- If the Man adds shaping and sways, then turn your head to the right in order to follow the shape
- When rising, be very aware to pull your centre back
- Don’t peak too early. Follow the Man’s body
- Lift your chest up to the Man.
- If the Man changes shape to do outside partner — then follow the Man’s shape.
In step 3,
- lower at the end of 3, ready to push
In step 4,
- the following step will be taken forward in CBMP, Outside Partner.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Facing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Right Foot Closed Change Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) Reverse Pivot |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Commenced Facing DW
(turning an extra 1/8 between steps 1-2)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) |
| Silver | Reverse Pivot Wing (at a corner) |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Following Figures
Ended Backing DW (as described above)
Ended Backing DW against newLOD (at a new corner)
| Silver | Outside Spin |
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 Drag Hesitation 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”.