Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position,

Count 1 (Slow):
Begin facing diagonal center, stepping left foot forward on heel-toe with strong contra body movement, initiating a subtle left turn while rising smoothly from the ankle at the step’s end. Keep shoulders parallel to hips, head poised leftward, and maintain a firm but supple frame to absorb the follower’s drive without collapsing. Ensure your forward step travels decisively along the line of dance, using controlled knee flexion to initiate rise without bouncing.

Count 2 (Quick):
Swing right foot to the side onto toe, completing 1/8 left turn to back the wall, continuing the rise initiated on count 1 while keeping hips forward and spine tall. Sustain forward body flight by extending the left side toward the follower, head remaining left with gentle sway to the right to counterbalance the chassé’s lateral motion. Focus on elongating the right side during the side step to preserve frame integrity and avoid tilting.

Count 3 (Quick):
Close left foot to right foot on toe, turning an additional 1/8 left (body turning less than feet) to back diagonal wall, maintaining peak rise with knees softly flexed and ankles lifted. Project the right shoulder slightly forward to guide the follower’s path, head steady and eyes focused horizon-level to stabilize the partnership’s axis. Coordinate the closure with controlled hip rotation to prevent jerking or over-turning.

Count 4 (Slow):
Step right foot side and slightly back on toe-heel, lowering fully by the end of the beat while backing diagonal wall, applying contra body movement to prepare for the following outside partner step. Anchor the descent through the right heel, allowing the left side to stretch gently toward the follower to create a unified body line. Keep the upper body calm and centered during the descent to ensure smooth weight transfer into the next figure.

Commence in Closed Position,

Count 1 (Slow):
Starting backing diagonal center, step right foot back on toe-heel with contra body movement, rising at the end of the beat (no foot rise) while initiating a left turn and keeping hips aligned under the shoulders. Extend the left side dynamically toward the leader without leaning, head turned left with a soft focus, and maintain consistent pressure in the frame to drive momentum. Power the step from the standing leg’s hip socket to propel movement without rushing.

Count 2 (Quick):
Step left foot side onto toe, turning 1/4 left (body turning less) to point diagonal wall, continuing the rise with ankles lifted and knees relaxed for fluid motion. Project the left side assertively along the line of dance, head flowing naturally left as the spine rotates, and sustain light but unyielding connection through the leader’s right hand. Avoid collapsing the left side or dropping the shoulder—maintain ribcage elevation.

Count 3 (Quick):
Close right foot to left foot on toe, allowing slight body rotation to face diagonal wall, holding the rise with poised posture and engaged core. Focus on compact, controlled footwork, keeping the head left and frame expansive to mirror the leader’s sway and flight path. Close minimally—almost brushing the ankles—to retain balance and rotational control.

Count 4 (Slow):
Step left foot side and slightly forward on toe-heel, lowering fully while facing diagonal wall, accepting contra body movement for the imminent outside partner position. Relax into the descent through the ball of the foot, extending the right side toward the leader to harmonize body lines and prepare for his forward step. Yield space for the leader’s entry by softening the right elbow and rotating the torso subtly left.

Core Points

• Drive the first step decisively: Leader’s forward step and follower’s back step establish momentum; hesitation fractures the figure’s flow.
• Rise continuously through the chassé: Peak elevation occurs on count 3; early lowering stiffens the movement.
• Control rotation incrementally: Total turn is 1/4 left over three steps; over-rotation destabilizes the side-close action.
• Anchor the final step: The leader’s side-back and follower’s side-forward set up the outside partner transition; imprecise placement delays the next figure.

Advanced Elements

• Musical climax: The chassé (counts 2–3) aligns with the Quickstep’s syncopated “skip” rhythm; rushing dulls its vibrancy.
• Frame resilience: Withstand rotational force in the chassé by keeping the shoulder girdle firm yet responsive—collapsing isolates upper/lower body.
• Sway as counterbalance: Gentle right sway for both partners during the side steps (counts 2–3) prevents tilting and harmonizes flight.

“A compass needle gliding across polished brass.“

Commenced Backing LOD

Ready to move DC

For a more detailed explanation of terms and abbreviations, see the Glossary.

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”.