Learn how to beautifully dance
the progressive chassé to Right
The Progressive Chassé to the Right is a beautiful and versatile figure borrowed from Quickstep, adding delightful speed and travel to your Waltz. Think of it as a graceful “side-close-side” glide to the right, often used after a hesitation or to gain ground down the line of dance (LOD). It uses distinctive timing: a slower “slow” (count 1) followed by a quicker “quick-quick” (counts 2 & 3). Over these three steps, dancers typically turn about a quarter (1/4) turn to the left.
The overall feeling is one of controlled drive, smooth elevation (rise), and a gentle settling (fall), creating that signature Waltz undulation. It propels you smoothly and sets you up perfectly for the next figure, often with the follower stepping outside partner (OP). Mastering this requires coordination, shared rise and fall, and maintaining a harmonious connection. Let’s break it down step-by-step!
The Progressive Chassé to Right 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.
Progressive Chassé to Right (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing LOD | DC | 1 | com to turn L | – | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed |
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing Wall | LOD | 1/8 (1→2) | – | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | & | LF closes to RF | T | Backing DW | under body | 1/8 (2→3), body turns less | – | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 4 | 3 | RF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | – | Up. Lower e/o 4. | Closed | ||
| (5) | (1) | LF back in CBMP, OP | T | Backing DW | 5 | – |
Part 2: For the Leader (Man) – Guiding the Journey
- Count 1 (Slow): Driving Forward with Intention
- Begin facing Diagonally to Center (DC) in Closed Position. Step forward confidently onto your Left Foot (LF), moving diagonally towards the line of dance (LOD), placing your heel first then rolling smoothly to the whole foot – Heel-Toe (HT).
- As you step, initiate a gentle left turn using Contra Body Movement (CBM) – this means your right shoulder and hip move slightly forward across your body as your left foot steps forward. Start rising at the end of this count (e/o 1), beginning the elegant ascent that defines Waltz.
- This forward drive creates the energy and space for the chassé to follow. Keep your upper body poised and frame strong, preparing to lead the direction change. Your alignment starts facing DC and you begin turning left. Imagine you are gently pulling your partner forward with your upper body, not just stepping alone. Think of this step as setting a sailboat in motion – the forward drive provides the power for the glide that follows.
- Count 2 (Quick): Gliding Sideways, Continuing the Ascent
- Still turning left, step directly sideways (and slightly forward) onto your Right Foot (RF). Your alignment is now backing the Wall, having turned about 1/8th left since count 1. Place only the toe of your foot (Footwork: Toe, T).
- Continue the rise initiated on count 1, reaching your highest point. Keep your knees slightly flexed for control and balance – don’t lock them! Maintain the gentle left turn initiated with CBM, allowing your body to lead the foot placement.
- The movement should be a smooth glide, not a jump. Track your foot cleanly along the floor; avoid swinging it in an arc (“no rondes”). Keep your frame stable and connected, guiding the direction of travel (LOD). Think of your right foot “finding” the space created by your forward drive on count 1. Glide it out smoothly like an ice skater, maintaining a strong, shared center of balance with your partner.
- Count & (Quick): Closing and Holding the Height
- Immediately close your Left Foot (LF) neatly to your Right Foot without weight, ending with your feet together. Your alignment is now backing Diagonally to Wall (DW), having turned a further 1/8th left since count 2 (total approx. 1/4 turn). Footwork remains on the toe (T).
- Sustain the high point of your rise. This closing step is quick and light – it’s part of the “chassé” action (side-close-side). Ensure your body continues turning slightly left, though the foot turn might be less.
- Keep your posture tall and frame connected. Avoid sinking or breaking the shape. This moment of being “up” together is crucial for the smooth transition into the next step. Feel the shared balance point. Imagine gathering your energy for a moment at the top, like a bird pausing mid-flight before gliding down. Keep the connection alive and centered.
- Count 3 (Slow): Settling and Preparing the Exit
- Step sideways (and slightly back) onto your Right Foot (RF), now backing DW. Place the toe first, then lower smoothly to the heel (Footwork: Toe-Heel, TH).
- Lower at the end of this count (e/o 3), beginning the controlled descent. Settle your weight fully onto the right foot. Your body turn is minimal here; you are primarily backing DW.
- Prepare to absorb your partner’s forward energy on the next step. This step completes the chassé pattern (side-close-side) and positions you for the following figure. Maintain your frame and a gentle left-side stretch.
- . This settling prepares you to receive your partner’s forward step (often outside partner, OP) on the next “slow” count (1 of the following figure), which will be taken back in Contra Body Movement Position (CBMP). Think of “accepting” their energy gracefully. As you lower, imagine melting into the floor with control, like a feather landing softly.
Progressive Chassé to Right (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing DC | DC | 1 | com to turn L | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | LF to side | T | Pointing DW | LOD | 1/4 (1→2), body turns less | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | & | RF closes to LF | T | Facing DW | under body | cont to rise | Closed | |||
| 4 | 3 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T H | Facing DW | LOD | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed | |||
| (5) | (1) | RF fwd in CBMP, OP | T | Backing DW | 5 |
For the Follower (Lady) – Embracing the flow
- Count 1 (Slow):
Commencing backing Diagonally Centre (DC), step straight back along the Line of Dance (LOD) onto your Right Foot (RF), using a Toe-Heel (TH) action. Apply Contra Body Movement (CBM) – feel your left shoulder and hip initiating a slight rotation back towards the center, responding to the leader’s signal and starting the left turn. Begin rising at the very end of the count, using No Foot Rise (NFR) – this means the rise comes from your body and legs pushing off the standing foot (Left Foot), not by pushing up with the stepping foot. Keep your head left and maintain a strong, elegant stretch through the left side of your body. Crucially, let your body initiate the movement, not just stick your foot out early. Feel connected through your center. Imagine your spine is a string gently pulled upwards from the crown of your head – this helps initiate the rise smoothly from your core. - Count 2 (Quick): Gliding Side, Continuing the Ascent.
Step directly to your left side with your Left Foot (LF), landing on the Toe (T). Your alignment is now pointing Diagonally Wall (DW) – you’ve turned approximately 1/4 left between count 1 and 2 (body turns slightly less). Continue rising smoothly onto the ball of your foot. Keep your footwork precise and tracking – step cleanly sideward. Engage your core gently (“pull ab muscle back to spine”) to maintain a long, connected center with your leader; avoid pushing your tummy out to connect. Maintain your elegant head position to the left and the beautiful stretch through your frame. Feel the leader’s continued rise and sway. Think of your connection as a gentle, constant pressure between your centers – like holding a soft cushion between you, maintaining the shape without crushing it. - Count & (Quick): Closing with Connection.
Close your Right Foot (RF) neatly to your Left Foot (LF), landing on the Toe (T). You are now facing Diagonally Wall (DW). There is a very slight additional body turn to complete the alignment. Stay high on your toes, maintaining the peak of the rise. Do not rush this step; stay “on top” longer, matching the leader’s timing precisely. As you close, focus on giving your right side gracefully to the leader – this helps maintain the partnership connection and frame integrity. Keep your weight centered and avoid leaning into the leader. Visualize floating for a moment on the peak of a wave – suspended, balanced, and perfectly in sync with your partner. - Count 3 (Slow): Stepping Forward with Elegance.
Step forward and slightly to the side with your Left Foot (LF), landing on the Toe-Heel (TH). You are facing Diagonally Wall (DW), preparing to move outside the leader on the next step. Gently lower at the end of this count, settling through the foot. Keep your left shoulder slightly forward as a result of the body alignment. Crucially, ensure your hips are lifted and presented towards the leader, especially your left side – this creates a beautiful line and prepares for the outside position (OP). Avoid just twisting your upper body without the hip involvement; the movement should be integrated. Maintain your head position and connection. Imagine offering the leader a beautifully wrapped gift with your hips – it’s an elegant presentation, opening the pathway for the next figure.
General Notes
The Progressive Chassé to the Right is a delightful blend of drive, glide, and partnership.
Remember the unique 1, 2&3 timing – that ‘&’ count is the heartbeat of the chassé! Master the rise and fall: rise starts end of 1, continues through 2 and & (peak), lowers end of 3. Control this rise with slightly bent knees and engaged core muscles for stability and smoothness.
Leaders, focus on clear direction, tracking footwork, and preparing the CBMP back step. Followers, emphasize NFR on step 1, hip presentation on step 4, and staying beautifully connected through your center without rushing the close. Both partners must maintain a strong frame connection, subtle Contra Body Movement (CBM) for turn initiation, and elegant natural sway throughout.
Most importantly, dance together – feel the shared rise, the shared travel, and the shared lowering. Keep your movements fluid, like a sailboat gliding effortlessly with the wind, powered by your connection. Practice slowly, focusing on technique before speed, and soon you’ll be floating down the floor with this charming and essential waltz figure.
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Right Foot Closed Change Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change Reverse Pivot |
| Silver | Wing |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Commenced Facing LOD
(Both the Man and the Lady turn an additional 1/8 between steps 1-2)
Following Figures
Ended Backing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | 4-6 Natural Turn Back Lock Back Whisk Closed Impetus |
| Silver | Outside Spin |
Ending Backing DC
(Both the Man and the Lady turn an additional 1/8 between steps 1-2, and an additional 1/8 between steps 3-4, body turns less,)
| Bronze | Outside Change |
Ending Backing LOD
(Both the Man and the Lady turn an additional 1/8 between steps 1-2)
| Bronze | 4-6 Natural Turn Back Lock Back Whisk Closed Impetus |
| Silver | Open Impetus |
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 Progressive Chassé to Right 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”.