Learn how to beautifully dance
the Chasse REverse turn
The Chassé Reverse Turn is a foundational Pre-Bronze figure that seamlessly blends rotation with dynamic lateral movement, essential for navigating crowded floors. Its timing (Slow, Quick, Quick) creates a buoyant rhythm that propels dancers down the line of dance while turning left, often following figures like the Natural Turn with Hesitation or Reverse Pivot. Like champagne bubbles rising in a flute, this figure embodies lightness and effervescence, capturing Quickstep’s timeless joy through its effortless glide and precise weight transfers.
The Chasse Reverse Turn 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.
Chasse Reverse Turn (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | 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 |
Slow (Step 1: Left Foot Forward)
Begin facing diagonal center with a strong forward step onto the left foot, using heel-toe footwork while initiating left turn with contra body movement. Rise smoothly at the end of this step, keeping sway neutral and alignment toward diagonal center. Maintain a firm frame with the right side gently leading, ensuring the head remains steady and the shoulders level to support the follower’s balance. Focus on a controlled forward drive to create momentum without rushing, allowing the rise to feel organic and unhurried.
Quick (Step 2: Right Foot to Side)
Step side onto the ball of the right foot, completing a quarter left turn between steps 1 and 2 to back diagonal wall, with the body rising fully and sway flowing naturally left. Keep the knees flexed and ankles supple to absorb movement, directing energy toward diagonal center as the spine elongates upward. The frame remains expansive yet connected, with the left arm softly shaping the turn while the head turns slightly left to maintain visual orientation. Sustain upward energy through the side step to prevent collapsing into the close, ensuring the chassé feels airborne and fluid.
Quick (Step 3: Left Foot Closes to Right)
Close the left foot to the right with toe-heel footwork, turning an additional eighth left to back line of dance, and lower gently at the end of the step while sustaining left sway. The body remains lifted until the final moment, then descends smoothly, with the hips aligned under the torso to avoid tilting. Connection stays light but responsive, with the right hand guiding the follower’s back to signal the completion of the turn. Time the lowering to coincide with the music’s resolution, creating a poised finish that prepares for the next figure like a Progressive Chassé.
Chasse Reverse Turn (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | 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 |
Slow (Step 1: Right Foot Back)
Step back onto the right foot with toe-heel footwork, backing diagonal center while rising at the end of the step without foot rise, using contra body movement to initiate the left turn. Keep sway neutral, the spine elongated, and the left side stretched away from the leader to maintain frame integrity. Avoid crossing the upper body in front of the leader; instead, curve the right leg subtly outward to create space for the turn. Trust the leader’s lead to guide rotation, focusing on smooth weight transitions rather than independent pivoting.
Quick (Step 2: Left Foot to Side)
Step side onto the ball of the left foot, turning three-eighths left between steps 1 and 2 to point line of dance, with the body rising fully and sway flowing right. Let the body rotate under a steady head, keeping the right hip and shoulder forward to the leader while decreasing the space between the left shoulder and head. Ensure the head stays within the leader’s “tie line” to prevent over-rotation, using the core to control momentum. Emphasize side stretch through the rib cage to enhance sway, creating a graceful arc that mirrors the leader’s shape.
Quick (Step 3: Right Foot Closes to Left)
Close the right foot to the left with toe-heel footwork, allowing the body to complete the turn to face line of dance, and lower smoothly at the end while sustaining right sway. Keep the upper body rotation fluid, with the arms softly following the leader’s lead to prepare for the next step, such as a Reverse Pivot. Maintain a gentle forward pressure into the leader’s hand to ensure connection remains elastic. Close the feet swiftly but without jerking, letting the body’s natural swing dictate the speed of the closure.
General Notes
Footwork precision: Heel-toe for the leader’s first step prevents stumbling, while the follower’s toe-heel backstep ensures controlled rotation.
Alignment shifts: Starting facing diagonal center and ending backing line of dance demands strict directional awareness to avoid drifting.
Gradual rise: Rising over three steps peaks on step 2, creating the signature Quickstep lightness.
Turn distribution: The leader’s quarter turn followed by an eighth ensures balance, while the follower’s three-eighths turn requires body-head coordination.
Sway as expression: Sway flows naturally from neutral to left (leader) or right (follower), enhancing elegance without exaggeration.
Frame stability: A non-yielding frame during turns prevents the couple from collapsing inward.
“A sparrow darting through an autumn breeze
—light, swift, and effortlessly changing direction.”
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 i/e: inside edge |
| 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”.