Learn how to beautifully dance
the right Foot closed change
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Right Foot Closed 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 Right Foot Closed Change!
The Right Foot Closed Change is usually a pre-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.
Right Foot Closed Change (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing DC | DC | 1 | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T | Facing DC | DC against LOD | R | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | RF closes to LF | T H | Facing DC | under body | R | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- the Man may turn 1/8 to R, between steps 1→2 end facing LOD
- CBM is only slightly
Right Foot Closed Change (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DC | DC | 1 | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side & slightly back | T | Backing DC | DC against LOD | L | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF closes to RF | T H | Backing DC | under body | L | cont to rise. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 1,
- the lady may turn 1/8 to R between steps 1→2 to end facing LOD
- CBM is only slightly
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Following Figures
Ended Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn Back Whisk Double Reverse Spin Progressive Chasse to Right |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Drag Hesitation Open Telemark |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing LOD
Ended Facing DW of new LOD (at a corner)
| pre-Bronze | Whisk |
| Bronze | Back Whisk Outside Change |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
| Gold | Contra Check |
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 Right Foot Closed 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”.