Learn how to beautifully dance
the outside change
The Outside Change is a beautiful and fundamental figure in the Modern Waltz. Think of it as a graceful way to subtly redirect your flow down the line of dance (LOD) while maintaining that signature rise and fall of the Waltz.
It typically follows a Natural Turn or other figures ending with the leader backing Diagonal Center (DC) and the lady facing DC. The figure takes three slow counts moving with the characteristic Waltz rhythm. Its magic lies in a gentle quarter turn to the left between steps 2 and 3, transitioning the leader from moving backward to forward and the lady from forward to backward, culminating in an elegant Outside Partner (OP) position ready for the next step of the subsequent figure.
The overall movement should feel smooth, controlled, and flowing, like water changing course around a gentle bend. Mastering this builds essential skills in rotation, shared axis, and maintaining connection.
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 | – |
- Count 1: Commencing backing Diagonal Center (DC), step back onto your Left Foot (LF) along the line of dance (LOD) in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP) – meaning your right shoulder moves slightly forward as your left leg moves back. Use your whole foot (Toe-Heel, TH), feeling the ballroom floor. Begin to rise very slightly at the very end of this count (NFR – No Foot Rise, meaning the heel doesn’t lift yet, but the body starts its upward journey). Maintain a strong frame, ensuring your partner remains comfortably in front and slightly to your right side (Outside Partner, OP position). Keep your hips relatively square; the turn is initiated higher up in the body. Focus on a smooth, controlled backward step, connecting through your center to your partner. Imagine you are creating space for your partner to move through you, like parting curtains, rather than pushing her away.
- Count 2: Continue moving backward along the LOD, stepping back onto your Right Foot (RF), still backing DC. Use only the toe (T) now, as you continue rising smoothly throughout this count. Start to initiate the gentle left turn using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – this means your right shoulder and side move slightly forward to signal and facilitate the rotation left. Keep your left side connected to your partner; avoid turning your hips independently – your rotation should be a response to her movement and your CBM, keeping her securely in front. The rise continues, and the turn begins subtly. Focus on leading the turn with your upper body and frame, keeping your lower body stable – picture your torso gently winding up like a spring, storing energy for the next step.
- Count 3: Now, step side and slightly forward with your Left Foot (LF). Your alignment changes during this step: you start backing DC but finish pointing toward Diagonal Wall (DW). The quarter turn left happens smoothly between steps 2 and 3. You are at the peak of your rise (“Up”) on the toe (T) of your supporting RF as you step, then lower gently through your LF foot (Toe-Heel, TH) by the end of the count. Maintain a slight left sway as a natural consequence of the turn. Keep your body facing slightly less than your feet – your body turns less than the full quarter. Ensure the step is genuinely sideward with only a hint of forward momentum. Think of this step as a controlled pivot and placement, like a compass needle settling on a new direction, ensuring you finish squarely in front of your partner.
- (Count 4): Immediately step forward, outside your partner’s right side (Outside Partner, OP), onto your Right Foot (RF), facing DW. Step in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP) – your left shoulder moves slightly forward as your right leg moves forward. Use your heel (H) to initiate the step. Your body is now ready to move forward down the LOD. This step sets up the next figure (often a Natural Turn). Maintain your frame and connection, ensuring your forward step doesn’t create a gap (“lose your partner”). Visualize stepping directly into the space between you and your partner, like walking through a narrow doorway together, maintaining close contact.
Outside Change (Lady)
| # | 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 | – |
- Count 1: Commencing facing Diagonal Center (DC), step forward onto your Right Foot (RF) along the LOD, directly toward your partner, in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP) – meaning your left shoulder moves slightly forward as your right leg moves forward. Use your whole foot (Heel-Toe, HT). Begin to rise very slightly at the very end of this count (NFR). Relax your knees for a soft beginning and connect strongly through your shoulder to your hip joint – your spine should feel aligned over your stepping foot. Take a generous, confident step through your partner’s position. Some coaches suggest using a slight CBM (“wind-up”) here, rotating your upper body slightly to the right relative to your hips. Imagine you are stepping between two very close panes of glass – your step is straight and true, keeping you perfectly aligned with your partner.
- Count 2: Continue forward along the LOD, stepping forward onto your Left Foot (LF), still facing DC. Use only the toe (T) as you continue rising smoothly. Start to respond to the leader’s initiation of the left turn, using your own CBM – your right shoulder moves slightly forward to facilitate the rotation left. As you step onto your LF, smoothly swivel (rotate) your foot and lower body to the left on its ball, while keeping your upper body connection stable – this creates a feeling of being “wound” or “twisted” in the middle. Your left side (hip and shoulder) moves forward relative to your partner. Keep your head position generally left (unless specifically led otherwise later). Maintain connection through your center; avoid letting a gap open. Focus on the feeling of a controlled “unwinding” through your core as you step and swivel, like releasing stored energy smoothly.
- Count 3: Step side and slightly back with your Right Foot (RF). Your alignment changes: you start facing DC but finish backing Diagonal Wall (DW). The quarter turn left completes between steps 2 and 3. You are at the peak of your rise (“Up”) on the toe (T) of your supporting LF as you step, then lower gently through your RF foot (Toe-Heel, TH) by the end of the count. Maintain a slight right sway naturally. Your body turns slightly less than your feet. Ensure the step is genuinely sideward with only a hint of backward momentum. Your body shape should feel elegant and extended. Think of this step as collecting your energy and settling onto your new line, like a leaf landing softly after a gentle spin.
- (Count 4): Step back, under your own body (not away from partner) onto your Left Foot (LF), backing DW. Step in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP) – your right shoulder moves slightly forward as your left leg moves back. Use the toe (T) to initiate the step. Maintain your connection and frame, keeping your center back towards your partner. This step responds to the leader stepping forward outside partner (OP). Keep your head position according to the lead and the upcoming figure – it might stay left or begin to turn right if followed by a Natural Turn. Visualize stepping into your partner’s space as he steps forward, maintaining the close, connected frame – like two gears meshing perfectly.
General Notes
Core Elements
- Coordination: Leaders: guide the path with your frame and CBM, keeping your partner securely in front and slightly to your right. Avoid turning your hips prematurely or pushing her away on count 1. Ladies: respond with confident forward steps, a controlled swivel on count 2, and maintain beautiful body lines and connection through your center; avoid stepping away from your partner or collapsing your frame.
- Turn: For both of you, ensure the quarter turn happens smoothly between counts 2 and 3 while you are on your toes – this is the heart of the “change”.
- Position: that crucial Outside Partner (OP) position on count 4 sets the stage for the next figure.
- Rise and Fall: Smooth shared rise and fall
More Advanced Principles
- The sway is a natural consequence of the turn, not forced.
- Feel the sense of ‘hovering” in balance during the turn
- Remember its essence: “blending redirection with seamless flow”.
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”.