Learn how to beautifully dance
the Left foot closed Change
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Left Foot Closed 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 Left Foot Closed Change!
The Left Foot Closed Change is usually a pre-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.
Left Foot Closed Change (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing DW | DW | 1 | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side & slightly fwd | T | Facing DW | DW against LOD | L | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF closes to RF | T H | Facing DW | under body | L | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3 | Cl0sed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- CBM is only slightly
- although the turn is listed as nil, a very slight turn is made.
Left Foot Closed Change (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing DW | DW | 1 | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF to side & slightly back | T | Backing DW | DW against LOD | R | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | RF closes to LF | T H | Backing DW | under body | R | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3. | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- CBM is only slightly
- although the turn is listed as nil, a very slight turn is made
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 | Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) Reverse Turn |
| Silver | Reverse Pivot Wing (at a corner) |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Following Figures
Ending Facing DW (as described above)
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 Left Foot Closed 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”.