Learn how to beautifully dance
the turning lock to Right
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Turning Lock to Right 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 written 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 to Right!
The Turning Lock to Right is usually a gold 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 to Right (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Turn | Rise & Fall | CBM | Sway | Moving | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back, with R side leading | T | Backing LOD | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1 | R | LOD | Closed | |
| 2 | & | LF crosses loosely in front of RF | T | Backing Wall | 1/4 (1→2) | cont to rise | R | Under body | Closed | |
| 3 | 2 | RF to side & slightly fwd. | T | Pointing LOD | 1/4 (2→3) body turns less | cont to rise | nil | S | LOD | Closed |
| 4 | 3 | LF to side | TH | Facing LOD | body turns to R | Up. Lower e/o 4 | S | DC | PP |
Technical Notes for Man
In step 1,
- Sway may be LLSS or RRSS
Turning Lock to Right (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Turn | Alignment | Rise & Fall | Moving | Position | Sway | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd, with L side leading | T | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | L | ||
| 2 | & | RF crosses behind LF | T | 1/4 (1→2) | Facing DC | cont to rise | DC | Closed | L |
| 3 | 2 | LF to side & slightly back | T | 1/8 (3→4) | Facing DC | cont to rise | DC | Closed | – |
| 4 | 3 | RF to side & slightly back | TH | 3/8 (3→4) body turns less | Backing DW | Up. Lower e/o 4 | LOD | PP | – |
Technical Notes for Lady
In step 1,
- Sway is either RRSS or LLSS
- You will not brush on preceding Natural Spin Turn, but brush towards when moving into step 4
- Your head weight to the left, as it will help the turn. (Only utrn to the Right when going into count 3.)
In step 2,
- Only a small step. Ensure hip is Forward.
In step 3,
- Move your Left Foot sort of around the Man. Bigger step required so that you can stay behind the Man. Stretch! After your weight is on your Left Foot, articulate your head to Promenade Position.
In step 4,
- Ensure a big step. There are continuously big steps – if one is shorter, then its stops the momentum. Body dance smoothly and consistently.
- Ensure your Right side and arm to the Man. Check your Right elbow is at the correct angle. Your Right side can never be “dead”.
General Notes
(none)
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Backing LOD
| Bronze | Natural Spin Turn |
| Silver | Outside Spin (at a corner) |
Commenced Backing DW
(only turn 1/8 between steps 2→3)
| Bronze | Natural Spin Turn (at a corner) |
| Silver | Outside Spin |
Following Figures
Ready to move DC
| Bronze | Chassé from Promenade |
| Silver | Weave from Promenade Cross Hesitation Wing |
Ready to move down new LOD
(only turn 1/8 between Man’s steps 2→3 and Lady’s steps 3→4)
| Bronze | Chassé from Promenade |
| Silver | Weave from Promenade 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 Right 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”.