Learn how to beautifully dance
the Change of Direction
The Change of Direction is a foundational Quickstep figure, celebrated for its versatility in redirecting flow across the dance floor with elegance. Its timing follows a slow-quick-quick-slow rhythm, creating a seamless shift in momentum through controlled sway and precise footwork. Like a river effortlessly navigating a bend, this figure embodies timeless grace, allowing dancers to adapt to spatial constraints while maintaining the dance’s buoyant character.
The Change of Direction is usually a bronze-level Quickstep figure. For the full list of Quickstep figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the book “Ballroom Technique” or Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Quickstep.
Change of Direction (Man)
Commence in Closed Position,
| # | Count | Alignment | Steps | Footwork | Turn | Rise & Fall | CBM | Sway | Moving | Position |
| 1 | S | com to turn | com to rise e/o 1 | |||||||
| 2 | Q | (1→2) | cont to rise | |||||||
| 3 | Q | (2→3 | cont to rise | |||||||
| 4 | S | body turns to R | Up. Lower e/o 4 |
For the Leader
Count 1 (Slow): Step forward with your left foot along the diagonal wall, initiating contra body movement and a subtle left turn as your heel meets the floor. Keep your body facing the diagonal wall while allowing a natural rise through your body, ensuring your frame remains connected to your partner without rigidity. Maintain a forward poise with your head looking toward your partner’s right temple, creating a harmonious line from your left shoulder to her right hand. Keep your upper body steady to support her turn while letting your legs generate controlled power for the pivot.
Count 2 (Slow): Move your right foot diagonally forward, toe pointing toward the line of dance, completing half of the quarter-turn left as your body shifts to lead with your right side. Use the inside edge of your toe and heel to control the rise, keeping your knees flexed to absorb momentum. Rotate your torso gently leftward to guide your partner, ensuring your frame stays expansive yet responsive to her position. Hold your head poised to the left, enhancing the sway that emerges naturally from your hip’s inward curve. Anticipate her closing step by softening your right arm slightly to invite her forward without pulling.
Count 3 (Slow): Close your left foot lightly to your right without transferring weight, ending facing diagonal center as your body settles into a gentle left sway. Lower smoothly through your supporting right leg, keeping your left foot’s inside edge touching the floor. Sustain a forward intention in your frame to prevent collapsing inward, while your head follows the turn to face the new direction. Ensure your connection remains fluid and weightless during this transition, allowing her to complete her step with stability.
Change of Direction (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position,
| # | Count | Alignment | Steps | Footwork | Turn | Rise & Fall | CBM | Sway | Moving | Position |
| 1 | S | T | com to turn | com to rise e/o 1 | ||||||
| 2 | Q | (1→2) | cont to rise | |||||||
| 3 | Q | (2→3 | cont to rise | |||||||
| 4 | S | body turns to R | Up. Lower e/o 4 |
Count 1 (Slow): Step back with your right foot along the diagonal wall, accepting contra body movement as your toe-heel lowers, and begin rotating leftward. Maintain a soft sway to the right initiated from your hip, keeping your spine aligned toward your partner. Extend your left arm lightly against his right to preserve frame integrity, with your head turned left to sustain visual contact. Engage your core to prevent sitting back, ensuring your weight flows forward onto the standing leg.
Count 2 (Slow): Draw your left foot diagonally back, leading with your left side as your body completes the quarter-turn left, using the inside edge of your toe and heel to rise. Pull your left hip back while keeping the knee forward, allowing your right leg to sweep inward smoothly. Rotate your torso in unison with your partner, feeling his frame guide your direction as your head gradually shifts to face diagonal center. Avoid dropping your elbow or shoulder, which disrupts sway and connection.
Count 3 (Slow): Close your right foot to your left without weight, lowering into a subtle right sway as your body settles facing diagonal center. Keep your left side stretched toward your partner, with your head now fully turned to face the new alignment. Sustain lightness in your touch to signal readiness for the next figure. Focus on maintaining hip-shoulder alignment to prevent back-weighting and ensure seamless flight.
General Notes
Core Points
- Complete the Quarter-Turn Gradually: Distribute the left turn evenly across all three steps to avoid jerky pivots and maintain balance.
- Footwork Precision: Leaders use heel-toe on forward steps; followers use toe-heel on backward steps to control rise and fall.
- Weightless Closing: The third step’s closure must carry no weight to enable smooth redirection.
- Diagonal Alignment: Begin facing diagonal wall, end facing diagonal center—critical for floor navigation.
Advanced Elements
- Musical Patience: Use slow counts to stretch movement like taffy, embodying the Quickstep’s “lazy luxury.”
- Sway as a Natural Byproduct: Let it emerge from hip motion and turn—never force it.
- Frame Elasticity: Stretch away from your partner during turns to create centrifugal stability.
Following Figures
Ready to move DC
| Bronze | |
| Silver | |
| Gold |
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”.