Learn how to beautifully dance
the Hesitation change
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Hesitation Change 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 Hesitation Change!
The Hesitation Change 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.
Hesitation Change (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing DW | DW | 1 | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | LF to side | T | Backing DC | DW | 1/4 ((1→2) | R | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF closes to LF | T H | Backing LOD | under body | 1/8 ((2→3) | R | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3 | Closed | |
| 4 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | 4 | com to turn R | Closed | ||
| 5 | 2 | RF to side, small step (heel pull) | i/e of Foot | Facing DC | DW | 3/8 ((4→5) | L | Closed | ||
| 6 | 3 | LF closes to RF without weight | i/e of T | Facing Dc | L | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- the Man may turn 1/8 to R, between steps 1→2 end facing LOD
Hesitation (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DW | DW | 1 | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side & slightly back | T | Pointing LOD | DW | 3/8 ((1→2) body turns less | L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF closes to RF | T H | Facing LOD | under body | body completes turn | L | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3 | Closed | |
| 4 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing LOD | LOD | 4 | com to turn R | Closed | ||
| 5 | 2 | LF to side | T H | Backing DC | DW | 3/8 ((4→5) | R | Closed | ||
| 6 | 3 | RF closes to LF without weight | i/e of T | Backing DC | R | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- the lady may turn 1/8 to R between steps 1→2 to end facing LOD
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade Left Foot Closed Change Natural Turn (at a corner) Basic Weave Outside Change |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Outside Spin Turning Lock (to Left) Weave from Promenade |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to Right |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Drag Hesitation Open Telemark |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing LOD (at a corner)
| Bronze | 1-3 Reverse Turn to Basic Weave Double Reverse Spin |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing DW of new LOD (at a corner)
| Bronze | Left Foot Closed Change Whisk |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Contra Check |
List of Abbreviations
| Steps | RF: Right foot LF: Left foot fwd: forward diag: diagonally CBMP: Contra Body Movement Position i/e: inside edge |
| 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 Hesitation Change 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”.