Learn how to beautifully dance
the reverse Pivot
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Reverse Pivot 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 Reverse Pivot!
The Reverse Pivot 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.
Reverse Pivot (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | & | RF back in CBMP, small step with toe turned in | T H T | Backing LOD to facing LOD | DC | 1/2 to L | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- The free foot will be help in CBMP throughout the entire turn
- the Reverse pivot may be turned only 1/4 or 3/8.
Reverse Pivot (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | & | LF fwd in CBMP, small step with toe turned in | T H | Facing LOD to backing LOD | DC | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- the free foot will be held in CBMP throughout the turn
- The reverse pivot may be turned only 1/4 or 3/8.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | 1-3 Reverse Turn Natural Spin Turn (at a corner) |
| Silver | Outside Spin |
Commenced backing DC
| Bronze | Natural Spin Turn Closed Impetus (at a corner) |
Commenced backing DW
| Bronze | 1-3 Reverse Turn Natural Spin Turn (at a corner) |
| Silver | Outside Spin |
Commenced backing DC against LOD
Following Figures
Ended Facing LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to Right |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing DC
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to R |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Drag Hesitation Open Telemark |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing DW (along the side of the floor)
| Bronze | Left Foot Closed Change Whisk |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Contra Check |
Ended Facing DW
| Bronze | Whisk Outside Change |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
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 Reverse Pivot 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”.