Learn how to beautifully dance
the Fallaway reverse & Slip Pivot
Gold Level Figure. A descent transitioning into a pivoting ascent.
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The Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot is an elegant and essential Gold figure, prized for its dynamic rotational energy and seamless transition between directions. It demands precise weight transfer and coordinated body flight to maintain the waltz’s characteristic flow across the floor. Like a spinning top finding its axis, this figure channels momentum into a graceful, controlled revolution.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
- Count 1 (LF forward): Commence facing Diagonal Centre, stepping forward onto the Left Foot (LF) with Heel-Toe action, initiating a Left turn using strong Contrary Body Movement (CBM). Begin rising smoothly at the very end of this count, maintaining a forward direction towards DC. Ensure the step has good length without lunging, keeping the body weight moving forward over the foot. Maintain a consistent, supportive frame connection with the lady throughout this initiating step to lead the turn.
- Count 2 (RF back in Fallaway): Step back onto the Right Foot (RF) along the Line of Dance, turning the body approximately 3/8 to the Left between steps 1 and 2, ending with the right side leading in Fallaway Position, backing Line of Dance. Use only the Toe of the RF, continuing the rise initiated on count 1. Focus on moving the body diagonally back and leftwards, maintaining a strong connection through the right side of the frame. Keep the head poised and the upper body lifted, ensuring the sway remains neutral as you move into the Fallaway. Control the descent of the body weight smoothly over the supporting leg while preparing for the pivot.
- Count 3 (LF back in CBMP): Step back diagonally onto the Left Foot (LF) in CBMP (Contrary Body Movement Position), still in Fallaway, backing towards Diagonal Centre. Use Toe-Heel action, allowing the body to turn a further 1/8 Left between steps 2 and 3. Continue rising, keeping the frame firm and the connection stable. The body flight should feel like a controlled diagonal descent, with the upper body remaining lifted and centered over the feet. Maintain a slight forward poise towards the lady to prevent gapping. Prepare the body axis for the pivot by solidifying your balance on the LF and engaging the core.
- Count & (Pivot on LF, RF closes): Execute a sharp Left-face pivot (approx. 1/4 to 3/8 turn) on the ball of the Left Foot (THT action), bringing the Right Foot (RF) sharply to close to the LF without weight, ending facing Line of Dance or Diagonal Wall in Closed Position. This pivot happens on the “&” count. Maintain strong CBM to power the pivot, keeping the upper body centered directly over the pivoting foot. The head turns smoothly with the body rotation. Hold the frame connection firmly, ensuring the lady feels the rotational lead clearly. Keep the rise sustained throughout the pivot action. Lower smoothly to the heel of the LF at the very end of the pivot, achieving stability and poise for the next step.
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 |
- Count 1 (RF back): Commence backing Diagonal Centre, stepping back onto the Right Foot (RF) with Toe-Heel action, rising smoothly at the end of the count (No Foot Rise – NFR). Maintain a strong frame connection and keep the head turned well to the Left throughout the figure to assist the turn. Feel the man’s CBM lead initiating the Left turn; the body should curve slightly leftwards into the man’s right side. Keep the center lifted and forward towards the man; avoid collapsing the upper body backwards. Focus on moving the legs back while keeping the body weight forward and centered over the feet.
- Count 2 (LF back in Fallaway): Step back onto the Left Foot (LF) along the Line of Dance, turning the body approximately 1/8 Left between steps 1 and 2, ending with the left side leading in Fallaway Position, backing towards the Centre. Use the Toe, continuing the rise. Keep the chest area very lifted towards the man. Take a full step back to match the man’s first step, ensuring connection is maintained. Intensify the leftward head position and use its weight to assist the turn. Engage the core muscles to maintain an elegant, lifted posture. Ensure your body flight moves diagonally back and rightwards in harmony with the man’s lead.
- Count 3 (RF back in CBMP, Pivot): Step back diagonally onto the Right Foot (RF) in CBMP, still in Fallaway, backing towards Diagonal Centre against LOD. Use the Toe, executing a sharp 3/8 to 1/2 Left-face pivot on this step (driven by the man’s lead), ending facing the Centre. Continue rising. During the pivot, feel the left hip opening and lifting as the man’s right hip moves into the space; do not close the left hip. Keep the center strongly lifted towards the man using the abdominal muscles. The head remains strongly left initially but may start to release towards the man during the pivot rotation. Maintain a compact, connected frame and rotate precisely around your own axis on the RF.
- Count & (LF forward in CBMP): As the pivot completes, step forward immediately onto the Left Foot (LF) in CBMP towards the Centre, ending backing Line of Dance in Closed Position. Use Toe-Heel action. This step happens on the “&” count following the pivot. Lower smoothly to the heel at the very end of this step. Keep the Right Foot (RF) held neatly behind in CBMP without weight. Follow the man’s lead precisely through the frame, closing any gap immediately. Keep the upper body poised and centered over the LF as you step forward. Allow the head to turn naturally towards the man during the step forward as you settle into Closed Position.
General Notes
Core Points
- Distinctive Timing (1, 2, 3&): Mastering the sharp pivot on “3” (lady) / “&” (man) and the immediate step on “&” (lady) is fundamental to the figure’s character and flow.
- Fallaway Position: Maintain true Fallaway (partners backing same direction, sides leading) on counts 2 and 3 with strong side connection; collapsing inward ruins the line and balance.
- Pivot Precision: The pivot is powered by CBM and core engagement, rotating partners around their own axes while maintaining frame connection; avoid leaning or dragging.
- Footwork Clarity: Heel leads (Man count 1), Toe steps (Fallaway steps), and precise Toe-Heel actions (Pivots, Closing) ensure smooth weight transfer and controlled movement.
- Rise & Fall Control: Rise progressively from end of 1 through 2 and 3, sustaining it through the pivot; lower smoothly only at the very end of the pivot/step (& count).
- CBMP Application: Essential on the man’s step 3 (LF back) and step & (RF close), and the lady’s step 3 (RF back) and step & (LF forward) to enable the pivots and maintain body alignment.
Advanced Elements
- Head Position (Lady): Keeping the head firmly left until the pivot on step 3 significantly aids rotation, balance, and line; premature release disrupts the figure.
- Body Flight: Move diagonally back and outwards into the Fallaway (like a controlled diagonal descent), then channel that energy into the sharp, centered pivot.
- Frame Stability: A non-yielding, connected frame during the pivot is crucial for transmitting the lead and maintaining balance; any collapse causes partners to separate or spin out.
- Center Control: Both partners must keep their centers lifted and forward towards each other, especially during the Fallaway and pivot, to prevent gapping and maintain poise.
- Harmonized Rotation: The feeling is of partners rotating individually but together, driven by the man’s CBM and the shared frame, creating a powerful yet graceful unified movement.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Insufficient Fallaway angle on steps 2 & 3 | Ensure bodies form a true V-shape down LOD, with sides leading strongly. |
| Short second step by the lady | Lady must take a full step back on LF (count 2) to match the man’s step. |
| Man initiates pivot too early on step 3 | Complete the backward step onto LF fully before commencing the pivot. |
| Lady collapses upper body backwards | Keep center lifted forward towards man using core; chest stays high. |
| Rise collapses during the pivot | Sustain body rise actively through core and legs until the very end. |
| Sway introduced incorrectly | Maintain neutral body alignment (no sway); movement is diagonal, not lateral. |
| Frame breaks or becomes loose during pivot | Maintain consistent, firm pressure and shape in the frame connection. |
| Gapping between partners after pivot | Lady steps forward immediately and decisively on “&” into the man. |
| Lady’s head turns towards man too early | Keep head firmly left until pivot on step 3 releases it naturally. |
| Lack of controlled lowering | Lower smoothly and precisely only at the end of the pivot/step (&). |
| Pivot feels labored or sticky | Engage core muscles strongly and rotate around a fixed body axis. |
| Musicality: Rushing the pivotal “&” count | Ensure the pivot and step occupy their full half-beat value within 3&. |
“Two swans dipping their wings mid-flight.”
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.