Learn how to beautifully dance
the double reverse spin
Bronze Level Figure. A compact left-turning pivot figure
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The Double Reverse Spin is a cornerstone Waltz figure, prized for its dynamic rotational energy and seamless transition potential. Its elegant compression and release across three beats allows sophisticated redirection down the floor, embodying the waltz’s signature rise and fall like a controlled sigh. Mastering this figure unlocks fluid combinations, particularly after Reverse turns, elevating your dance with its timeless spark of controlled revolution.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Double Reverse Spin (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | 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 |
Count 1 (LF Forward):
Commence facing Line of Dance, stepping forward onto the Left Foot towards Diagonal Centre with Heel-Toe footwork, initiating strong Contrary Body Movement to signal the left turn. Keep the right side well forward and head poised left, maintaining a firm but flexible frame connection. Rise smoothly late in the beat through the ankles and knees, ensuring the body moves as a cohesive unit without breaking at the waist. Ensure your forward step has clear direction and controlled momentum to lead the lady’s rotation without rushing.
Count 2 (RF to Side):
Continue the left turn, drawing the Right Foot sharply side-back to a position backing Diagonal Wall, arriving on the toe with straightened knees and sustained body rise. Rotate primarily through the hips and torso, keeping shoulders level and head left, maintaining consistent body contact and avoiding any forward lean. Transfer weight fully onto the RF, using the closing action of the left foot to generate rotational power for the lady. Focus on hip rotation over shoulder twist to maintain balance and connection while enabling the lady’s heel turn.
Count 3 (&) (LF Closes to RF – Toe Pivot):
Pivot sharply left on the ball of the Right Foot, closing the Left Foot neatly to the Right without weight, completing the turn to face Line of Dance. Sustain body rise and a neutral, tall posture, with head now turning gently right in preparation for the next step. Keep the frame stable and centered, allowing the hips to lead the pivot while the upper body remains calm. Pivot smoothly and decisively, using core engagement to avoid wobbling and preparing for a controlled lowering.
Count 3 (Hold on RF):
Hold weight firmly on the Right Foot, lowering gradually to the heel at the very end of the beat while settling into the supporting leg. Maintain slight right-side lead and poised head position, ensuring the frame remains supportive as the lady completes her crossing step. Prepare to step forward smoothly with the Left Foot into the next figure, such as a Progressive Chassé or Whisk. Control the lowering precisely to stabilize the partnership and enable a powerful departure into the next movement.
Double Reverse Spin (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | 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 |
Count 1 (RF Back):
Starting backing Line of Dance, step back firmly onto the Right Foot towards Diagonal Centre with Toe-Heel footwork, applying strong Contrary Body Movement to initiate the left turn. Keep the left side stretched toward the man, head turned sharply left over the shoulder, and spine elongated upward without leaning back. Rise slightly late in the beat (No Foot Rise), maintaining consistent pressure in the frame and moving decisively down the floor. Step directly back with confidence, trusting the man’s lead and keeping your center forward to avoid sitting.
Count 2 (LF Closes to RF – Heel Turn):
Draw the Left Foot sharply to the Right Foot, pivoting 1/2 turn left on the heel of the Right Foot to face Line of Dance, continuing the body rise onto the toe. Sustain left-side stretch and head focus left, rotating the shoulders fluidly with the man while keeping hips close to him. Accelerate the closing action, keeping feet parallel and knees flexed, transferring weight fully to the Left Foot as the turn completes. Prioritize smooth hip rotation and continuous head turn to maintain momentum and avoid blocking the man.
Count (&) (RF to Side & Slightly Back):
Step side-back onto the Right Foot toe, backing Wall across Line of Dance with a strong push from the left leg, sustaining body rise. Keep the left side firmly connected to the man, head now transitioning right while stretching the right arm lightly for balance. Move decisively “through” the man’s position, ensuring no gap forms at the hips. Use a powerful leg action for this step to match the man’s pivot speed and maintain partnership unity.
Count 3 (LF Crosses in Front):
Cross the Left Foot tightly in front of the Right Foot without weight, lowering gradually to the heel as the man settles, finishing backing Line of Dance. Hold a compact, balanced position over the supporting Right Foot, head now fully turned right, and frame softly yielding into the man’s lead. Prepare for the next backward step, keeping the core engaged and hips lifted. Control the lowering and crossing action to avoid collapsing into the man or disrupting the next figure’s flow.
General Notes
Core Points
- Strong CBM on Step 1: Essential for initiating the turn clearly and leading the lady’s rotation.
- Man’s Side Step Placement: The RF must step side-back (not merely side) to create space and rotation axis.
- Accelerated Lady Heel Turn: The lady’s steps 2 and “&” must be swift and continuous.
- Pivot Precision: The man’s toe pivot requires centered balance and core control.
- Lowering Timing: Lowering occurs only at the very end of count 3 for both roles.
Advanced Elements
- Sustained Body Contact: Avoid hip separation during rotations; think “single unit” rotation.
- Head Coordination: Lady’s delayed head turn prevents dizziness and enhances line.
- Frame Resilience: Maintain even pressure throughout, especially during the lady’s crossing step.
- Dynamic Compression: The figure’s power comes from controlled coiling and release of energy.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man steps forward without CBM | Rotate shoulders against hips on step 1 to signal turn clearly. |
| Lady steps back diagonally, not down LOD | Step directly back along Line of Dance with full stride. |
| Man rushes the pivot on count “&” | Pivot decisively but smoothly, controlled by core muscles. |
| Lady rises too early on heel turn | Rise only after completing heel pivot and weight transfer. |
| Partnership loses hip contact | Keep the lady’s hips close to man’s right side throughout rotation. |
| Next step lacks power after lowering | Settle weight fully before driving powerfully into the following figure. |
“An ice skater’s glide meeting a ballerina’s pirouette.“
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”.