Learn how to beautifully dance
the natural Turn
Welcome, dancers! Let’s explore the beautiful Natural Turn – a cornerstone of the Modern Waltz. This graceful clockwise turn embodies the essence of waltz: flowing movement, elegant rotation, and harmonious partnership. Executed over six counts (two bars of 3/4 time), it comprises two mirror-image halves. The leader starts forward, the follower backward, and they essentially swap roles for the second half. The total turn is approximately 3/4 of a full circle (270 degrees). The overall movement travels down the Line of Dance (LOD), the counter-clockwise flow around the room. Key to its beauty is the rise and fall: a gentle ascent starting late on counts 1 and 4, continuing through counts 2 & 5 and 3 & 6, with a smooth lowering at the end of counts 3 and 6. This creates the characteristic wave-like motion. Remember, the turn is progressive – you travel while turning, creating a sweeping, elegant flight across the floor.
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 (Leader – Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| Count | Timing | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing DW | DW | Y | 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 | Y | 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 |
Count 1: Right Foot Forward: Commence facing Diagonal to Wall (DW). Step forward onto the Heel of your right foot, rolling smoothly to the Toe (H T), aiming slightly across your body. Step confidently through your partner’s space, powered by pushing off your standing leg – this creates the momentum for the turn. Simultaneously, initiate the turn right by subtly rotating your frame counter to the movement of your legs – this is Contra Body Movement (CBM). But ensure you keep your head strongly to the left otherwise your frame will collapse! Begin a subtle rise at the very end of the count. Keep your frame stable and connected. Imagine gently “opening a door” with your right side to create space for your partner to pass.
Count 2: Left Foot to Side: As you push off your right foot, step sideward onto the toe of your left foot (LF), aligning toward Backing Diagonal to Centre (DC). Your body continues turning right (about 1/4 turn total between counts 1 & 2). Continue rising smoothly. Develop a gentle sway to your right – a lean created from the ankles up, not just tilting the head. Keep your upper body facing slightly more into the turn than your feet. Maintain a strong connection through your left hand and frame. Visualize your left foot initially pointing forward; the body turn during the step makes it arrive naturally to the side – don’t force it sideways prematurely.
Count 3: Right Foot Closes to Left Foot: Close your right foot smoothly to your left foot, ending on the toe then heel (TH), aligning Backing Line of Dance (LOD). Complete the final 1/8 turn right during this step. Maintain the Right Sway. Crucially, lower smoothly at the very end of the count, controlling the descent through your knees and ankles. Avoid lowering early or collapsing – maintain posture. This lower prepares your left leg to drive the next step. Imagine gathering your energy and settling gently like a feather landing, ready to push off again – control the lowering, don’t just drop.
Count 4: Left Foot Back: Step back along the Line of Dance (LOD) onto the toe-then-heel (T H) of your left foot. Commence Backing-LOD. Initiate the next right turn using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – rotate your upper body slightly right relative to your hips to signal the turn and create space. Begin a subtle rise (No Foot Rise – NFR) at the end of the count, meaning the rise starts in the body before the foot fully lifts. Keep your weight forward over your standing foot initially. Signal the turn clearly with your upper body (“open the door” again) before stepping back, inviting your partner forward.
Count 5: Right Foot to Side: Push off your LF and step sideward onto the Toe (T) of your Right Foot (RF), aligning toward Pointing Diagonal to Centre (DC). The body turns significantly (3/8 turn between counts 4 & 5), though your feet may turn slightly less initially. Continue rising smoothly. Develop Sway to your Left (L) as you move. Keep your frame forward and connected, supporting your partner. Your side-step allows your partner to pass through. Focus on turning your body over the standing foot; let the side-step be a consequence of that turn and momentum, not a forced placement.
Count 6: Left Foot Closes to Right Foot: Close your LF smoothly to your RF, ending on the Toe then Heel (TH), aligning Facing Diagonal to Centre (DC). Complete the final body turn to face DC. Maintain the Left Sway. Smoothly lower at the very end of the count, controlling the descent. This completes the second half of the turn and prepares you to start the sequence again (often with another Natural Turn or a Reverse Turn). Think of closing your feet lightly under your balanced body – the closing action helps complete the turn gracefully and stabilizes you for the next movement.
Natural Turn (Follower – Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| Count | Timing | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DC | DW | Y | 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 | Y | 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 |
- Count 1: Left Foot Back: Commence Backing Diagonal to Wall (DW). Step back onto the Toe then Heel (TH) of your Left Foot (LF), turning the toe in slightly. Initiate the turn right using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – feel the leader’s signal and respond by rotating your upper body slightly right relative to your hips. Begin a subtle rise (No Foot Rise – NFR) at the end of the count. Crucially, relax your right hip and don’t shift your weight off too quickly; stay connected over your standing leg. Feel the leader “opening the door” – relax your hip to allow your body to start turning, keeping your upper body connected, ready to let him pass.
- Count 2: Right Foot to Side: As you push off your LF, step sideward onto the Toe (T) of your Right Foot (RF), aligning toward Pointing Line of Dance (LOD). Your body turns significantly (3/8 turn between counts 1 & 2). Continue rising smoothly. Develop Sway to your Left (L). Focus intensely on keeping your upper body very left relative to the leader – your right side should remain “positive” and extended, never blocking him. Imagine your body turning underneath your stable upper body connection. Use your hip subtly like a rudder – angle it slightly (“banking”) as you step to help control the turn and prevent overshooting, allowing your body to catch up later.
- Count 3: Left Foot Closes to Right Foot: Close your LF smoothly to your RF, ending on the Toe then Heel (TH), aligning Facing Line of Dance (LOD). Complete the body turn. Maintain the Left Sway. Smoothly lower at the very end of the count. Keep pressure in your feet for balance. As you lower, feel your hips settle underneath you, “sitting” slightly and winding up (right hip high, left hip back) for the upcoming forward drive. The power for your next step comes from this controlled lowering – push into the floor through your standing heel, feeling a slight circular “away” motion from your partner to generate momentum.
- Count 4: Right Foot Forward: Step forward along the Line of Dance (LOD) onto the Heel of your Right Foot (RF), rolling smoothly to the Toe (HT), Facing LOD. Drive powerfully with a bigger step (as you are now on the outside of the turn). Connect your shoulder down through your hip joints, releasing them to allow your spine to drive forward. Initiate the next right turn using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – but ensure your head stays left otherwise your frame will collapse. Begin a rise at the end of the count. Resist the urge to rush your body or legs forward – let the drive come from pushing off your standing leg, feeling your weight flow from heel to center to ball.
- Count 5: Left Foot to Side: Push off your RF and step sideward onto the Toe (T) of your Left Foot (LF), aligning toward Backing Centre. Your body continues turning right (about 1/4 turn between counts 4 & 5). Continue rising smoothly. Develop sway to your right. Your LF should track directly under your body, passing close to your supporting ankle before extending into the side-step. Take a generous step. Maintain a strong connection through your frame. Visualize pointing your LF forward initially; the body turn during the step will naturally make it land to the side – focus on the body rotation driving the foot placement.
- Count 6: Right Foot Closes to Left Foot: Close your RF smoothly to your LF, ending on the Toe then Heel (TH), aligning Backing Diagonal to Centre (DC). Complete the final 1/8 body turn. Maintain the Right Sway. Smoothly lower at the very end of the count. Feel a circular movement action, preparing for the next backward step by moving weight through the ball of the RF to the center and heel, feeling like you move slightly “into” the leader. Close lightly and precisely under your balanced body – this controlled closure completes the turn and establishes perfect balance and connection for the leader’s next drive.
General Advice
Core principles:
- Footwork is foundation: Master the transitions: Heel to Toe (HT), Toe (T), Toe to Heel (TH), and No Foot Rise (NFR). Clean footwork ensures balance and smooth movement.
- Progressive turn: Travel occurs while turning over 6 counts. Don’t spin on the spot.
- Shared Rise & Fall: Rise late on 1 & 4 (NFR for the backward stepper), continue rising through 2 & 5 and 3 & 6, lowering smoothly and controlled at the end of 3 & 6. Never rise or fall abruptly.
- CBM is connection: Contra Body Movement (CBM) initiates the turn and creates space for your partner to pass (“opening the door”). It’s a subtle upper body rotation counter to the leg movement, that is felt through the frame.
Advanced Principles
- Sway is consequence –not contortion: Let sway develop naturally from the turn, rise, and body flight – it’s a full-body lean from the ankles, not just bending at the waist.
- Patience in partnership: The forward stepper must drive through their partner’s space confidently. Dance through your partner’s feet! The backward stepper must wait for the leader’s drive and maintain connection.
- Body leads – feet follow: Focus on turning your body over the standing foot; let the foot placement be a result of that movement and momentum.
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”.