Learn how to beautifully dance
the cross chasse
The Cross Chassé is a versatile figure in Quickstep, essential for navigating crowded floors and transitioning seamlessly between complex patterns. Its “slow, quick-quick” rhythm (counts: S Q Q) creates dynamic movement across the line of dance, combining lightness with controlled direction changes. Like a swift curving river, it flows effortlessly around obstacles while maintaining timeless elegance.
The Cross Chasse 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.
Cross Chasse (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 |
Count 1 (Slow): Forward Step in Outside Partner Position
Begin facing diagonal wall, stepping forward on your right foot in Outside Partner Position, moving diagonally toward the line of dance. Use strong Contrary Body Movement (CBM) to initiate the turn, keeping your heel grounded initially before rising smoothly at the end of the beat. Maintain a forward sway to project energy into the step, ensuring your hips align with your shoulders to avoid twisting. Keep your frame steady and upper body forward to lead the lady securely into the chassé.
Count 2 (Quick): Side Step with Sway
Step side onto the ball of your left foot, turning your body slightly left to face the line of dance directly. Rise fully and sway gently left while keeping your right side extended toward your partner. Your frame remains firm but supple, with the head held left to preserve connection. Focus on driving sideways with controlled momentum, not speed, to ensure the lady mirrors your sway.
Count 3 (Quick): Closing with Control
Close your right foot to your left foot with toe-heel footwork, sustaining left sway and maintaining height. Keep your spine elongated and shoulders level, allowing your body flight to carry smoothly into the next step without hesitation. Close lightly—as if gliding on silk—to preserve rhythm and prepare for the concluding outside partner step.
Final Slow (Outside Partner Conclusion)
Step forward on your right foot in CBMP (Contrary Body Movement Position) into Outside Partner Position, lowering gently at the end of the beat. Use CBM to rotate your torso toward the lady, ensuring your sway returns neutral. Anchor your frame to lead her securely into the next figure, such as a Natural Turn or Forward Lock.
Cross Chasse (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): Backward Step with Stretch
Start backing diagonal wall, stepping back on your left foot with toe-heel footwork, stretching your right side to create a long, elegant line. Rise at the end of the beat while keeping your head turned slightly left and shoulders parallel to the leader’s. Lengthen your spine away from the leader to maintain connection without leaning.
Count 2 (Quick): Side Step with Right Sway
Step side onto the ball of your right foot, allowing gentle right sway as you turn to face the leader squarely. Keep your left side extended toward him, with your head turning right for balance and fluidity. Move as one unit with the leader—your sway mirrors his, like synchronized wings.
Count 3 (Quick): Light Closure
Close your left foot to your right foot with toe-heel action, sustaining right sway and height. Your body remains centered over your feet, with hips aligned under your shoulders. Close softly, letting momentum flow through your ankles to avoid jarring the leader’s lead.
Final Slow (Backward Conclusion)
Step back on your left foot in CBMP, lowering smoothly with neutral sway. Maintain a compact frame and CBM to follow the leader’s rotation. Keep your connection firm through your right shoulder blade to ensure seamless transitions.
General Notes
Core Points
- Timing Precision: Execute the “slow, quick-quick” rhythm strictly; rushing the chassé causes loss of balance.
- Footwork Clarity: Leaders: heel-toe (slow), toe (quick), toe-heel (quick). Ladies: toe-heel throughout.
- Alignment Control: Begin facing diagonal wall; end facing line of dance for optimal flow.
- CBM Integration: Rotate torsos on the first and last steps to enable smooth direction changes.
Advanced Elements
- Musicality: Accent the final slow step to emphasize the figure’s punctuation in the phrase.
- Sway Harmony: Match sway direction (leader left, lady right) during the chassé for unified body lines.
- Frame Stability: Avoid collapsing the ribcage; imagine a magnet drawing your shoulder blades together.
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”.