Learn how to beautifully dance
the Drag Hesitation
Silver Level Figure*. A turning hesitation with controlled drag closure.
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The Drag Hesitation is a silver-level Waltz figure celebrated for its dramatic suspension and elegant redirection. It transforms momentum into poised stillness, allowing partners to harmonize rotation and flight like leaves circling gently before settling. Practical for navigating crowded floors, it typically follows the Double Reverse Spin or a diagonal center alignment, flowing seamlessly into outside partner movements.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
Count 1 (LF forward, facing LOD):
Begin facing line of dance with left foot forward, using heel-toe footwork and strong contrary body movement to initiate a left turn. Keep shoulders parallel to hips while aligning toward the center by step’s end, maintaining a firm frame connection to guide the lady inward. Sustain gentle knee flexion to control rise, ensuring the head remains upright with eyes focused diagonally center. Anchor the turn through grounded connection to the floor while leading the lady’s path inside your rotation.
Count 2 (RF to side, backing wall):
Step right foot side along line of dance with toe footwork, completing a quarter left turn to back the wall, and rise smoothly at the step’s end. Hold the left side as the axis of rotation, delaying full elevation until the right leg passes the body to avoid premature peaking. Maintain a level frame with neutral hips and soft elbows, allowing the head to follow the turn naturally. Focus on controlled body flight to prevent leaning, ensuring the lady receives clear directional guidance.
Count 3 (LF drags to RF without weight, backing diagonal wall):
Drag the left foot slowly to the right foot using toe footwork on both feet, turning an additional eighth left to back diagonal wall, sustaining body elevation. Keep weight fully on the right foot while lowering to the heel at the count’s end, with hips square and spine elongated for balance. Prepare for outside partner movement by softening the right shoulder and extending the left side slightly forward. Minimize sway by aligning the torso vertically, creating a poised “floating” closure.
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 |
Count 1 (RF back, backing LOD):
Step right foot back along line of dance with toe-heel footwork, applying contrary body movement as the body starts turning left. Relax the right shoulder downward to anchor the turn, rotating the left hip forward while keeping the head left and spine tall. Initiate rise subtly through the ankles, ensuring the frame remains connected and responsive to the leader’s lead. Use the right foot as a pivot point to rotate without losing connection.
Count 2 (LF to side, facing wall):
Step left foot side with toe footwork, completing just over a quarter left turn to face the wall, rising fully at the step’s end. Swivel the feet slightly as the body turns less than three-eighths total, lifting the chest toward the leader while retracting the center back. Follow the leader’s shaping by tilting the head right if sway is suggested, keeping elbows soft and frame expansive. Delay peak elevation until the leader’s body signals the rise.
Count 3 (RF drags to LF without weight, facing diagonal wall):
Drag the right foot to the left foot without weight, using toe footwork on both feet while turning minimally, and lower to the left heel at the count’s end. Maintain upward stretch through the neck and left side, preparing for an outside partner step by yielding the right hip. Keep weight centered over the left foot, ensuring the torso remains upright and sway-neutral. Sustain elegance by closing the feet smoothly, like drawing a curtain with precision.
General Notes
Core Points
- Complete three-eighths total left turn: Ensures optimal alignment for transitions like outside spins.
- Rise late on count 2, lower at end of 3: Creates the signature suspension without unbalancing the partner.
- No body sway: Prevents tilting and maintains vertical elegance.
- Heel-toe (leader)/toe-heel (follower) footwork on count 1: Secures controlled momentum.
- Drag closure without weight transfer: Allows seamless redirection into outside partner figures.
Advanced Elements
- Frame stability during rotation: Enables clear lead for the lady’s inside path.
- Delayed rise peak: Synchronizes partners’ elevation for harmonious flight.
- Neutral torso alignment: Enhances balance during the drag closure.
- Preparatory body shaping for outside partner: Facilitates fluid transitions.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incomplete turn on count 2 | Complete a full quarter turn before rising. |
| Early rise on count 2 | Delay elevation until the moving leg passes the body. |
| Weight transfer on drag closure | Keep weight on the supporting foot, dragging lightly. |
| Torso sway during rotation | Align shoulders directly over hips. |
| Collapsed frame on count 3 | Sustain upward stretch through the spine. |
| Rushed musical timing | Extend the drag closure across the full “3” count. |
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”.