Learn how to beautifully dance
the Hesitation change
Bronze Level Figure. A smooth transition from a Natural to Reverse turn.
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The Hesitation Change elegantly bridges Natural and Reverse turns, offering dancers a moment of poised suspension within the waltz’s flowing narrative. Its controlled heel pull and deliberate weight transfer provide essential versatility for navigating corners or crowded floors, much like a composer inserting a breath between musical phrases. Mastering this figure enhances musical expressiveness while reinforcing core principles of balance and partnership.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Hesitation Change (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | 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 |
- Count 1 (LF back, Backing LOD)
- Begin backing line of dance with the left foot, using heel-toe footwork while initiating right-turn rotation through contrary body movement. Keep hips aligned with shoulders to maintain a centered posture, rising slightly through the body as you transfer weight. Focus on a controlled backward step without rushing, allowing the follower space to move forward. Maintain gentle pressure in the frame to guide momentum while keeping elbows relaxed and forward.
- Count 2 (RF to side, Facing DC)
- Draw the right foot firmly backward into a “heel pull,” pivoting smoothly on the left heel to rotate 3/8 right, ending facing diagonal center. Keep the entire right foot in contact with the floor, using inner-edge pressure to control the turn while staying low with no body rise. Sway subtly left as the upper body aligns over the supporting left leg, creating a soft counterbalance against the rotation. Ensure your right shoulder remains forward to prevent collapsing the frame, sustaining connection through the torso.
- Count 3 (LF closes to RF without weight, Facing DC)
- Close the left foot lightly to the right foot without transferring weight, maintaining left sway as the body settles into the completed turn. Keep knees flexed and posture grounded, allowing the hips to remain under the torso for stability. The frame stays expansive but relaxed, with head turned gently left to preserve partnership connection. Resist rising or adding extraneous shaping—prioritize stillness and readiness for the next step.
Hesitation (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DW | DW | Yes | 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 | Yes | 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 |
Count 1 (RF forward, Facing LOD)
Step forward on the right foot along line of dance, using heel-toe footwork while responding to the leader’s contrary body movement for a right turn initiation. Keep the step compact and directed toward the leader’s center, avoiding crossing his alignment line. Rise minimally through the body, keeping knees soft to absorb momentum. Engage your core to control forward drive, ensuring spine alignment remains unaffected by rotation.
Count 2 (LF to side, Backing DC)
Move the left foot diagonally to the side, rotating 3/8 right to end backing diagonal center, with toe-heel footwork and gentle right sway. Maintain consistent frame height without popping upward, letting the body turn as a unified unit. Keep the head turned left toward the leader, with shoulders relaxed but engaged to support connection. Stretch laterally through the ribcage for elegant body lines, but avoid leaning excessively into the sway.
Count 3 (RF closes to LF without weight, Backing DC)
Brush the right foot toward the left without weight, sustaining right sway while recovering balance over the supporting left foot. Lower the heel gently as the body settles, keeping hips aligned under the torso and spine elongated. The frame remains softly responsive, with eyes directed over the leader’s right shoulder. Focus on smooth weight consolidation to prevent wobbling, preparing for a seamless transition.
General Notes
Core Points
- Execute the heel pull (Count 2 for leader) with flat-footed control to stabilize rotation and avoid premature weight shifts.
- Apply contrary body movement on Counts 1 and 4 to initiate turns efficiently while maintaining partnership unity.
- Omit body rise entirely during steps 4–6; staying low prevents imbalance and preserves the hesitation’s character.
- Close feet without weight on Count 6 to create suspension, enabling a clean transition into the Reverse Turn.
Advanced Elements
- Minimal sway (left for leader, right for follower) during the hesitation segment ensures grounded control rather than decorative shaping.
- Sustain frame integrity through subtle torso pressure—avoid arm-led movements that disrupt connection or rotational harmony.
- Musicality lies in stretching the heel pull across beats 5–6, embodying the waltz’s lyrical “hesitation” before resolving.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Rushing the heel pull pivot | Drag the foot slowly, using floor friction for control. |
| Rising during steps 4–6 | Keep knees flexed; focus on sinking into standing leg. |
| Incomplete turn on heel pull | Rotate shoulders fully over the pivoting foot. |
| Collapsed frame in sway | Widen upper back muscles while keeping elbows forward. |
| Closing feet with weight | Practice brushing feet lightly without shifting balance. |
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”.