Learn how to beautifully dance
the OUTside SPIN
The Outside Spin is a captivating figure in Modern Waltz, blending precise rotation with seamless partnership. It serves as both a dynamic turning sequence and a graceful transition into subsequent movements like the Natural or Reverse Turn. Timed across three counts (1-2-3) with one beat per step, this figure demands controlled pivots and harmonious body alignment. Like a compass finding true north, it elegantly reorients partners through space with timeless precision.
The Outside Spin is usually a silver 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), see the Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Outside Spin (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing against LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back CBMP (small step) | T H T | Backing LOD to facing DW against LOD | DC against LOD | 1 | 1/4 to R on 1 (pivot) | – | – | OP |
| 2 | 2 | RF fwd CBMP | H T | Facing DW against LOD | DW against LOD | 2 | body to R | – | rise e/o 2 | OP |
| 3 | 3 | LF to side, pivoting to end LF back | T H | Backing Wall to facing DW | Against LOD | 3/8 (2→3) plus 3/8 on 3 (pivot) | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Count 1 (Left Foot Back):
Step back diagonally against the line of dance with your left foot in CBMP (contra body movement position), toe turned slightly inward. Keep this step small—no larger than the length of your foot—to allow the lady space to pass. Rotate 3/8 to the right as a pivot, initiating from the knees upward while keeping your upper body stable. Footwork is toe-heel-toe, lowering the heel gently as weight settles. Rise begins subtly at the end of this count. Focus on maintaining a firm frame: your right side remains extended toward the lady, creating a stable axis for her rotation without blocking her path.
Count 2 (Right Foot Forward):
Step forward in CBMP outside the lady (right of her), moving diagonally toward the wall against the line of dance. Drive deeply into this step with heel-toe footwork, continuing the body’s right rotation. Rise sharply to full height by the end of the count, ensuring your hips lead the turn while shoulders follow smoothly. Avoid bending your knees excessively; instead, stretch upward through your spine. Keep your head left and frame expansive to prevent crowding the lady, allowing her to close her feet freely.
Count 3 (Left Foot to Side):
Swing your left foot side and slightly back, completing a 3/8 pivot to end facing diagonal wall. Footwork transitions from toe to heel, lowering at the figure’s conclusion. Upper body rotation catches up with the lower body here, aligning shoulders with feet. No sway is used; maintain neutral posture to avoid pulling the lady off-balance. Focus on controlled deceleration—your stability enables her to settle into the next step with grace.
Outside Spin (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing against LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd CBMP | H T | Facing against LOD | Against LOD | 1 | com to R | – | com to rise e/o 1 | OP |
| 2 | 2 | LF closes to RF | T | Facing DW | under body | 5/8 (1→2) body turns less | – | cont to rise | OP | |
| 3 | 3 | LF fwd pivoting to end in CBMP | T H | facing DW against LOD to backing DW | DW against LOD | 1/4 (2→3) +1/4 pivot | – | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Count 1 (Right Foot Forward):
Step forward outside the man, right of his center, with right foot in CBMP. Use heel-toe footwork, rising slightly at the count’s end. Rotate 3/8 right, anchoring your weight centrally over the right foot as the pivot begins. Keep your right side firmly connected to the man’s frame—imagine it as a fixed point around which you turn. Avoid leaning inward; instead, extend your left side away to create balance. Relax your right shoulder downward to maintain contact and prevent “drifting” into his space.
Count 2 (Left Foot Close):
Close your left foot to your right with toe footwork, continuing to rise. Rotate a full 5/8 between counts 1–2, letting your hips complete most of the turn while your upper body follows fluidly. Keep your head left initially, then gradually turn it right as your body aligns. Ensure your center remains over your feet—do not rush or over-rotate. Stretch your spine upward and resist bending your knees; this “floating” rise prevents popping or instability.
Count 3 (Right Foot Forward):
Step forward between the man’s feet in CBMP, transitioning to toe-heel as you lower. Rotate 1/4 right, ending backed diagonal wall. Your body “catches up” to your hips here, extending forward from the sternum to create a tapered body line. Avoid leaning back or collapsing your left side; sustain right-side contact for harmony. Send your right hip slightly toward the man as you lower, ensuring balanced weight transfer before exiting the figure.
General Notes
Core Points
- Pivot control: The leader’s initial 3/8 pivot on count 1 sets the rotation’s foundation; the follower matches this through centered weight over her right foot.
- Footwork precision: Leader uses toe-heel-toe (count 1), heel-toe (count 2), toe-heel (count 3); follower uses heel-toe (1), toe (2), toe-heel (3).
- Rise and fall: Rise starts end of count 1, peaks end of count 2, and lowers gradually across count 3.
- CBMP: Both partners maintain contra body movement position on all steps to enable close rotation.
- Alignment: Begin backing line of dance; end facing diagonal wall (leader) or backed diagonal wall (follower).
- Frame stability: The leader’s frame must stay wide and centered to avoid obstructing the follower’s path.
Advanced Elements
- Sway: None used—upright posture prevents imbalance during tight rotations.
- Body lines: Follower extends sternum forward on count 3; leader keeps shoulders parallel to hips.
- Musicality: Accent the “floating” rise on count 2 to match the waltz’s crescendo.
- Coordination: Leader delays upper-body rotation until count 3; follower matches hip/shoulder timing.
- Harmony: Follower’s right side remains “glued” to the leader’s frame throughout.
- Flow: Exit with controlled lowering into the next figure (e.g., Natural Turn).
“Two planets orbiting a shared center, perfectly synchronized.”
Preceding Figures
Commenced Backing against LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Corté |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Drag Hesitation (at a corner) |
| Gold | Left Whisk (with Twist ending) Hover Corté |
Commenced Backing DW against LOD
| Bronze | Reverse Corté |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Drag Hesitation (at a corner) |
| Gold | Left Whisk (with Twist ending) |
Commenced Backing DW
| Bronze | Back Lock Progressive Chassé to Right |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | Natural Turn Natural Spin Turn Hesitation Change |
Ended Facing LOD
(having commenced backing DW at a corner, or backing against LOD but turn only 3/8 on the Pivot)
| Bronze | 1-3 Natural Turn |
Ended Backing DW
Ended Backing DC
(having commenced backing DW and using the optional additional turn)
| Bronze | 4-6 Reverse Turn Reverse Corté Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Turning Lock |
| Gold | Hover Corté |
Ended Backing New LOD
(having commenced backing DW at a corner and not using the optional additional turn)
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 Spin 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”.
Tutorials
These 3rd party (external) tutorial videos include commentary and advice, that are aimed at teaching you how to perform the Turning Lock (to the Left), properly.