Learn how to beautifully dance
the natural spin turn
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Natural Spin Turn 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 Natural Spin Turn!
The Natural Spin Turn 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.
Natural Spin Turn (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 & slightly to side, toe turned in | T H T | Backing DW to facing LOD | LOD | 4 | 1/2 to R on 4 (pivot) | Closed | ||
| 5 | 2 | RF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing LOD | LOD | 5 | cont to turn | rise e/o 5 | Closed | |
| 6 | 3 | LF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing DC | LOD | 3/8 (5→6) | Up. Lower e/o 6 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 4,
- Although the footwork is lists as T H T, the heel is in contact with the floor during the actual turn
Natural Spin Turn (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DC | DW | 1 | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | 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 to backing LOD | LOD | 4 | 1/2 to R on 4 (pivot) | Closed | ||
| 5 | 2 | LF back & slightly to side, then brush RF to LF | T | Backing LOD | LOD | cont to turn | rise e/o 5 | Closed | ||
| 6 | 3 | RF diag fwd | T H | Facing DC | LOD | 3/8 (5→6) | Up. Lower e/o 6 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 5,
- the rise is taken from the ball of the LF on 5, and it is important to note that as the right foot commences to move to brush the LF the ball of the right foot (not the heel) is in contact with the floor
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)
Following Figures
Ended Backing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | 4-6 Reverse Turn Reverse Corte Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Turning Lock (to Left) |
| Gold | Hover Corte |
Ended Backing DC against LOD
| Bronze | 4-6 Reverse Turn Reverse Corte Reverse Pivot |
Ended Backing LOD
(turning 1/2 between steps 5-6)
Ended Backing DW
(making normal amount of turn at a corner)
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 Natural Spin Turn 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”.