Learn how to beautifully dance
the natural Turn
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Natural 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 Turn!
The Natural 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 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 | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | 4 | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 4. NFR | Closed | |
| 5 | 2 | RF to side | T | Pointing DC | LOD | 3/8 (4→5) body turns less | L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 6 | 3 | LF closes to RF | T H | Facing DC | under body | body completes turn | L | cont to rise. Lower e/o 6 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
Natural 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) | 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 | com to rise e/o 4 | Closed | |
| 5 | 2 | LF to side | T | Backing Centre | LOD | 1/4 (4→5) | R | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 6 | 3 | RF closes to LF | T H | Backing DC | under body | 1/8 (5→6) | R | cont to rise. Lower e/o 6 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
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 LF Closed Change Natural Turn (at a corner) Outside Change Basic Weave |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Outside Spin Turning Lock to Left Weave from Promenade |
Commenced facing LOD
| Silver | Outside Spin (at a corner) |
Preceding Step 4
If commenced Backing DW, Man only turns 1/4 (4→5), Lady omits turn (5→6).
Following Figures
Ending Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | RF Closed Change |
Ending Backing DW of new LOD (at a corner)
Following step 3 (ended backing LOD)
| Bronze | Closed Impetus Reverse Corte |
| Silver | Open Impetus |
Following step 3 (ended Backing DC)
| Bronze | Outside Change |
Following step 3 (ended Backing DW of new LOD at a corner)
| Bronze | Back Whisk |
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 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”.