Learn how to beautifully dance
the turning lock
The Turning Lock in Modern Waltz is a silver-level figure that gracefully transitions from right-turning to left-turning movements, flowing across three beats with a distinctive “1, &, 2, 3” rhythm. Its elegance lies in the seamless fusion of rotation and lateral progression, creating a wave-like continuity essential to Waltz’s character. Like a river meeting the sea, this figure blends momentum and precision, offering both technical challenge and timeless beauty.
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 |
Count 1 (Back on Right Foot):
Step back diagonally with your right foot, aligning your body to back diagonal center. Keep your right side leading, shoulders parallel to your partner, and avoid collapsing your left shoulder. Use the toe for footwork, maintaining light pressure through the ball of the foot to initiate controlled movement. Begin rising slightly at the end of this beat, lifting through your ankles and knees without forcing the body upward. Apply gentle left sway by elongating your left side, keeping your head poised left to support the turn’s axis. Ensure your frame remains expansive yet soft, allowing your partner to feel your direction through torso connection rather than arm tension.
Count & (Cross Left in Front):
Cross your left foot loosely in front of your right foot, moving “under” your body rather than stepping widely. Your alignment remains backing diagonal center, with hips angled to the right to create space for the lady. Footwork stays on the toes, continuing the rise smoothly to maximize elevation. Sustain left sway by stretching your left ribs upward, avoiding any downward gaze that disrupts posture. Focus on minimal rotation here—the true turn begins later—so your upper body remains calm while preparing momentum.
Count 2 (Back on Right Foot with Turn):
Step back and slightly rightward with your right foot, now commencing a left turn. Your body begins rotating left, guided by contra body movement: your left shoulder moves toward the stepping leg. Rise peaks here, with weight centered over the ball of your right foot for balance. Neutralize sway to avoid over-tilting, keeping your spine aligned over your hips. Rotate from your core, not your arms, so your partner follows without being pulled.
Count 3 (Side with Left Foot):
Step side and slightly forward with your left foot, completing a quarter left turn to face diagonal wall. Transition to toe-heel footwork, lowering gently at the end of the beat. Your body turns less than your feet, creating a smooth unwinding effect. Maintain neutral sway, with shoulders level and frame steady. Keep your right foot grounded until weight transfers fully, ensuring the lady’s space remains protected.
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 |
Count 1 (Forward on Left Foot):
Step forward with your left foot toward diagonal center, leading with your left side. Your torso rotates slightly right as the man’s shape opens, but avoid over-turning your head prematurely. Footwork is on the toe, rising subtly at the beat’s end. Apply right sway by extending your right ribs, keeping your head weight left for balance. Sync your step size with the man’s, “filling” the space between you without rushing ahead.
Count & (Cross Right Behind):
Cross your right foot loosely behind your left, keeping steps compact and controlled. Stay on the toe, continuing the rise while flexing knees and ankles for cushioning. Sustain right sway, projecting your hips forward to maintain connection. Keep your knees soft and weight centered over the ball of your standing foot—never sag or lean back.
Count 2 (Forward on Left Foot with Turn):
Step forward and slightly leftward with your left foot, starting a left turn as your body rotates toward the man. Rise fully on the toe, engaging your core to stay upright and avoid “falling” into the step. Neutralize sway, focusing on stretching upward through your spine. Let your arms extend toward the man fluidly, trusting his frame to guide your rotation.
Count 3 (Side with Right Foot):
Step side and slightly back with your right foot, turning a quarter left to back diagonal wall. Lower to toe-heel as you complete the turn, softening your knees. Your body turns less than your feet, ending in promenade position if cued. Keep head weight left until rotation finishes, then shape right gracefully. Step around the man’s axis, not past him, to preserve partnership harmony.
General Notes
Core Points
- Precise footwork: Leaders cross loosely in front; followers cross behind without tension. This prevents tripping and maintains flow.
- Rise & fall timing: Rise starts late on beat 1, peaks on beat 2, and lowers at beat 3’s end. Staggered elevation creates Waltz’s signature wave.
- Turn initiation: Rotation begins on step 3, not earlier. Premature upper-body turns disrupt momentum.
- Contra body movement: Rotate your opposite shoulder toward the moving leg (e.g., left shoulder for right steps). This signals turns naturally.
Advanced Elements
- Sway as elongation, not tilt: Stretch your ribs sideways like a bowstring—never collapse your frame.
- Frame stability: Lead from your center, not your hands. If your partner feels “pushed,” you’re overusing your arms.
- Synchronized step sizes: Uneven steps between partners break connection. Match each other’s stride like gears meshing.
- Musicality: Stress beat 1’s “downswing,” then float through “&, 2, 3.” The lock step should whisper, not stomp.
“A pendulum’s smooth redirection.”
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.