Learn how to beautifully dance
the right Foot closed change
The Right Foot Closed Change (Natural to Reverse) is a fundamental Waltz step that gracefully transitions you from a Natural (right-turning) figure to a Reverse (left-turning) figure. Danced over the classic 1-2-3 timing, the magic of this bridge lies in its seamless combination of controlled rise and fall, gentle body sway, and harmonious partnership.
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 book “Ballroom Technique” as well as the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). For more details, 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 | slight | – | 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 |
- Count 1 (RF Forward): Commence facing Diagonal Center (DC) with your right foot stepping forward along the line of dance (LOD), moving directly towards DC. Use a heel-toe (HT) footwork, feeling the ball of your foot connect smoothly after the heel. Your body naturally lowers to its deepest point as you transfer weight fully onto the right foot. Initiate a slight Contraction of the Body towards the Moving side (CBM) to the right – this means your upper body begins a subtle turn to the right over your forward-stepping right leg, preparing for the rotation. Start to rise very slightly at the very end of this count, initiated from your ankles and the ball of your foot, not by lifting your shoulders. Remember to keep your posture tall and your frame connected to your partner; imagine you are moving your whole center forward as one unit, not just stepping a leg out.
- Count 2 (LF Side & Slightly Forward): Continue rising as you step sideways and slightly forward onto the ball of your Left Foot (LF), aligning towards DC against the Line of Dance (LOD); an optional 1/8 turn to the right between counts 1 and 2 may now have you facing LOD. Use a Toe (T) footwork, keeping the foot in contact with the floor throughout – think of first pointing your LF to the side, then actively pushing off your RF to slide the LF further into position, transferring weight fully. Maintain sway to the right by stretching your left side upwards, creating a beautiful body line. Keep your knees slightly flexed at the peak of the rise to maintain balance and control for the final close. Keep your left foot in constant, feather-light contact with the floor throughout its movement; avoid simply placing it down. Imagine gliding like an ice skater.
- Count 3 (RF Closes to LF): Still rising slightly and maintaining sway to the right, smoothly close your Right Foot (RF) to your Left Foot (LF) without weight transfer initially, ending with feet together and weight fully on the LF. Use a Toe-Heel (TH) footwork: the RF remains in contact with the floor as it glides in, then lower gently onto the heel only at the very end of the beat as your body softly descends. Resist dissolving the right sway too early; it should be present until the lowering is complete, providing power and poise for the next step. Ensure your upper body remains calm and collected over your feet as you lower. Think of it as gently melting down into your final position, preserving the elegant sway line until the last possible moment.
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 | slight | – | – | 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 |
- Count 1 (LF Back): Commence backing Diagonal Center (DC). Step back with your Left Foot (LF) along the DC alignment, using a Toe-Heel (TH) footwork. Begin by bending your supporting right knee first, lowering your body as the weight transfers fully onto the LF – avoid simply “falling back” which creates heaviness for your partner. Initiate a slight Contrary Body Movement (CBM) by keeping your right shoulder and hip slightly forward as the LF moves back. Start rising at the end of the beat by stretching the arch of your foot and pressing into the floor (No Foot Rise – NFR), feeling the partner’s lead lift you. Keep your spine long and centered, allowing a natural sway to develop without over-rotating your shoulders relative to your hips. Imagine stretching your leg back elegantly, showing the sole of your shoe briefly, then drawing your center back to bring the feet together.
- Count 2 (RF Side & Slightly Back): Continue rising as you step sideways and slightly back onto the ball of your Right Foot (RF), aligning backing DC against LOD (or facing LOD if the optional turn occurred). Use a Toe (T) footwork: first place the RF to the side, then actively push off your LF to slide the RF further into position, keeping it in contact with the floor. Maintain sway to the left by elongating your right side upwards. Transfer only partial weight initially onto the RF; avoid overshooting your center too far right – feel your partner’s frame guiding your balance. Keep knees slightly bent at the peak of the rise for stability and fluidity. Feel like you are creating space and openness with this step, like a flower petal unfolding, while staying perfectly connected to your leader.
- Count 3 (LF Closes to RF): Still rising slightly and maintaining sway to the left, smoothly close your Left Foot (LF) to your Right Foot (RF), transferring full weight onto the RF. Use a Toe-Heel (TH) footwork: the LF glides in contact with the floor, then lower gently onto the heel only at the very end of the beat as your body softly descends. Keep the left sway present until the lowering is complete; dissolving it early weakens the movement and the connection. Ensure your feet close neatly under your body, maintaining your elegant posture and partnership connection as you settle. Think of this moment as landing softly like a feather, gathering your balance and connection fully before preparing for the next step.
General Notes
Core points
- Footwork is foundation: Use precise HT, T, TH. Keep feet in contact with the floor during side steps – slide, don’t lift. Steps are slightly forward or back, never purely sideways.
- Power from the standing leg: Every step is driven by pushing powerfully from the standing leg, – not the moving the free leg. This creates flow and balance.
- Rise & fall gracefully: Rise late on 1 (just at the end), continue rising through 2, reach the peak late in 2/early 3, and lower only at the very end of 3. Never drop your heels early!
Advanced Principles
- Sway is sustained: Maintain your body sway (Leader right, Follower left) throughout counts 2 and 3, only dissolving it naturally as you lower at the end of 3. This sway provides line, balance, and power.
- Connection is king: Leaders, maintain clear direction and frame. Followers, stay centered over your feet and responsive to the lead. Keep your posture tall and connected throughout.
- Waltzing on a cloud: Your rise is a gentle lift, your sway a soft breeze tilting you, your lowering is a serene descent, and your connection is the invisible thread keeping you and your partner floating in perfect harmony.
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”.