Learn how to beautifully dance
the double reverse spin
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Double Reverse Spin 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 Double Reverse Spin!
The Double Reverse Spin is usually a bronze 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.
Double Reverse Spin (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing DC | DC | 1 | com to turn L | – | rise e/0 1 | Closed |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing DW | DC | 1/4 (1→2) | – | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | & | LF closes to RF without weight (toe pivot) | LF: T | Facing Wall | 3/8 (2→3) | – | Up | Closed | ||
| 4 | 3 | Hold weight on RF | RF: T H | Facing LOD | 1/4 (3→4) | – | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
This figure may also be danced with timing 1 2 3 &.
In step 3,
- the overall turn of this figure may be increased, by turning 3/8 between steps 2→3.
In step 4,
- the overall turn of this figure may be decreased, by turning only 1/8 between steps 3→4.
Double Reverse Spin (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing DC | LOD | 1 | com to turn L | – | rise slightly e/o 1. NFR | Closed |
| 2 | 2 | LF closes to RF (heel turn) | H T | Facing LOD | DW | 3/8 (1→2) | – | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | & | RF to side & slightly back | T | Backing Wall | DC | 1/4 (2→3) | – | Up. | Closed | |
| 4 | 3 | LF crosses in front of RF | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | 1/4 (3→4) | – | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
This figure may also be danced with timing 1 2 3 &.
In step 3,
- the overall turn of this figure may be increased, by turning 3/8 between steps 2→3.
In step 4,
- the overall turn of this figure may be decreased, by turning only 1/8 between steps 3→4.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Right Foot Closed Change Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Wing |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Commenced facing LOD
| Bronze | Right Foot Closed Change Reverse Turn Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Wing |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Following Figures
Ending Facing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to R |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ending Facing DC
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to R |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Drag Hesitation Open Telemark |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing DW
| Bronze | Left Foot Closed Change Whisk |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Contra Check |
Ending Facing DW (at a corner)
| Bronze | Whisk Outside Change |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
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 Double Reverse Spin 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”.