Learn how to beautifully dance
the Fallaway reverse & Slip Pivot
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot in the Modern Waltz.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, turn, rise & fall, contrary body movement, sway, direction of movement, 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 Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot!
The Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot is usually a gold 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.
Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing DC | DC | com to L | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF back, R side leading | T | Backing LOD | DC | 3/8 (1→2) body turns less | cont to rise | Fallaway | ||
| 3 | & | LF back in CBMP | T H | Backing DC | DC | 1/8 (2→3) | cont to rise | Fallaway | ||
| 4 | 3 | RF back, LF held in CBMP | T H T | Backing Centre to Facing LOD | Centre | 1/8 (3→4) 1/4 on 4 (pivot) | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes for the Man
In step 4,
- To center, toe turned in, ending facing LOD or DW.
- The pivot on step 4 may be turned 1/8 less or 1/8 more to end facing DW or DC
Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF Back | T H | Backing DC | DC | com to L | Com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF Back, L side lead | T | Backing Centre | DC | 1/8 (1→2) body turns more | Cont to rise | Fallaway | ||
| 3 | & | RF back CBMP, Small step. | T | Backing DC against LOD to facing Centre | DC | 1/8 (2→3) 3/8 on 3 (pivot) | Cont to rise | Fallawy | ||
| 4 | 3 | LF fwd CBMP, RF held behind in CBMP | T H | Facing Centre to backing LOD | Centre | 1/4 on 4 (pivot) | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Lady)
In step 1,
- Similar to the Double Reverse Spin, keep your head left the whole time to help with the turn. Your legs will move backwards, but your body should not feel that it’s dancing backwards. Your body should feel upward, with a leftward curve dancing into the Man’s Right side.
- ensure you lower first. Move your Right Foot back, curve with your toe turned in. Your centre can’t fall back. Ensure your hips are more forward and up to the Man. Stay connected. Your head goes even more left, stay outside.
- Your lower centre rotates, and your upper centre (“dial”) sways only. Ensure your shoulder does not fall back.
In step 2,
- Keep your chest area very lifted to the Man
- Ensure your Left Foot is a bigger step to match the first step – don’t cut it short.
- Use your head weight to the Left to help with the turn. Keep your head left through out to help with the turn. Keep your Head stretched more to the Left.
- Curve. Moving Backward Diagonal Centre. Suck your tummy in, and ensure a little lift. Stay connected with the Man
In step 3,
- In this step your hip will feel more twisted to the Left. Do not close left hip. Pick up your left side and open your left hip. Ensure the Man’s right hip is in middle of your left hip and centre.Use your tummy muscles to pull towards the centre.
In step 4,
- Follow the Man – don’t gap.
General Notes
Timing can be either:
- 1, 2, 3, & (1, 1, ½, ½), or
- 1, 2, &, 3 (1, ½, ½, 1)
Preceding Figures
Commenced Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Right Foot Closed Change Reverse Turn Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Wing |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse Pivot & 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 Pivot & Slip Pivot |
Commenced Facing DW (at a corner)
(with a 1/8 less turn on the pivot turn)
Following Figures
Ending Facing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to Right |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ending Facing DC
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chassé to Right |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Drag Hesitation Open Telemark |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse Pivot & Slip Pivot |
Ending Facing DW (alongside of floor)
| 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
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 Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot.