Learn how to beautifully dance
the turning lock
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Turning Lock (to left) in the Modern Waltz.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, turn, rise & fall, contrary body movement, sway, direction of movement, 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 Turning Lock!
The Turning Lock 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 (ISTD), see the Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Turning Lock (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back, R side leading | T | Backing DC | DC | – | – | L | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed |
| 2 | & | LF crosses in front of RF | T | Backing DC | under body | – | – | L | cont to rise | Closed |
| 3 | 2 | RF back & slightly R | T | Backing DC | DC | – | com to turn L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 4 | 3 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T H | Pointing DW | LOD | – | 1/4 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 1,
- Your right shoulder should lead andthe sway to the L on steps 1 and 2 are most important fro the beauty of this figure.
- Your thigh and hips are 1/8 to R (not turning feet)
- Angle through diagonal. Stretch your head leftward. Poised diagonally forward. Don’t pull back.
In step 3,
- the right shoulder lead is lost when your right foot moves backwards and rightwards
- Rotate through your hips. Pivot and turn, make sure the Lady stays with you.
Turning Lock (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd, L side leading | T | – | – | R | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | & | RF crosses behind LF | T | Facing DC | DC | – | – | R | cont to rise | Closed |
| 3 | 2 | LF fwd & slightly Left | T | Facing DC | DC | – | Com to L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 4 | 3 | RF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | – | 1/4 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 4 | Closed |
Technical Notes for the Lady
In step 1,
- After the end of the previous step (often Natural Spin Turn) which is ending R side lead, connect your right shoulder down. Really swing your left side forward. Let your left hip and left side come diagonally forward (it will feel like your shoulder is rotating to the right) sooner, changing it to a left side lead. Not simply sticking your left foot forward, as your left side has to also come through.
- The Man starts opening up his body and shaping to the right, which leads the you to turn your body/head to the right.
- Don’t think about dancing around the Man, but rather think about dancing “through” the Man.
- Keep all step sizes synchronized with the Man
- The middle of your body stays with the Man. Keep contact and fill the space.
In step 2,
- Put your glutes forward. Don’t sag. Ensure your head weight is to the left.
- Ensure both your knees are flexed and cushioned. Ensure your are on your toes and are soft. Make sure your weight is over the ball of your right foot – soft and cushioned. Use your ankles and knees to push out.
In step 3,
- be very aware when rising. Pull your centre back and stay on your own balance.
- Body dancing forward. Give your arms to the Man.
In step 4,
- this could end in Promenade Position, in which case, head shape to right in its space. DOn’t turn your head too fast or too early.
General Notes
- The turning lock curves gently forward
- In the turning lock, foot rise comes before body rise. (That is, rise on count 2 LF, or end of 1& on RF)
- If the last step of preceding Natural Spin Turn then: the footwork will be the normal TH for both the Man and the Lady. Also, it may be shaped to the Man’s left, leading the lady to turn her head to the right.
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Backing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Natural Spin Turn Closed Impetus (at a corner) Outside Spin |
| Silver | Outside Spin |
Following Figures
Commenced Backing DC (as described above)
Ended in Promenade Position
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade Position |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Wing |
| Gold | Left Whisk |
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 Turning Lock (to Left) 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.