Learn how to beautifully dance
the outside change
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Outside 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 Outside Change!
The Outside Change is usually a 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.
Outside Change (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back in CBMP | T H | Backing DC | DC | – | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | OP | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF back | T | Backing DC | DC | 2 | com to turn L | – | cont to rise | Closed |
| 3 | 3 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T H | Pointing DW | LOD | 1/4 (2→3) body turns less | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed | |
| (4) | (1) | RF fwd in CBMP, OP | H | Facing DW | 4 | – |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- the footwork may be danced THT (using foot rise)
Outside Change (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing DC | DC | – | com to rise e/o 1 | OP | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF fwd | T | Facing DC | DC | 2 | com to turn L | – | cont to rise | Closed |
| 3 | 3 | RF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | 1/4 (2→3) body turns less | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed | |
| (4) | (1) | LF back in CBMP | T | Backing DW | 4 | – |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- Following a 1-3 of a natural turn, step 1 is taken in line.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | 1-3 Natural Turn Reverse Turn (at a corner) Progressive Chasse to Right Reverse Corte |
Commenced backing Centre
| Bronze | Reverse Corte (at a corner) |
| Gold | Hover Corte (at a corner) |
Following Figures
Ending Pointing DW (as described above)
Ended Pointing LOD
| Bronze | Basic Weave (step 1 fwd OP) |
| Gold | Closed Wing |
Ending in PP
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Wing |
| Gold | Left 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 Outside 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”.