Learn how to beautifully dance
the Quarter Turn to RIGHT
The Turning Lock to Right is a dynamic Gold-level figure that injects rotational energy and sophistication into Quickstep choreography. It seamlessly combines syncopated footwork with continuous turn, creating a flowing transition ideal for corners or diagonal progressions. Like a spinning top finding its perfect axis, this figure balances controlled rotation with the dance’s characteristic lightness, making it indispensable for advanced expression while demanding precise weight transfers and partnership harmony.
The Quarter Turn to Right is usually a Bronze level Modern Waltz figure. For the full list of Modern Waltz 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.
Quarter Turn to Right (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 |
Count 1 (Slow):
Step back diagonally with the right foot along the line of dance, right side leading, maintaining alignment backing diagonal wall while initiating a subtle 1/8 turn to the right. Transfer weight smoothly onto the ball of the foot, allowing the heel to lower slightly as the body begins rising at the end of the beat. Apply contra body movement to facilitate the turn, keeping the frame stable and shoulders level without lateral sway. Ensure your left foot remains poised near the right instep, ready to cross without weight displacement, preserving momentum for the next quick step.
Count & (Quick):
Cross the left foot loosely in front of the right, toes angled inward, as the body rotates a further 1/4 turn between counts 1 and 2 to face diagonal center. Place only the toe of the left foot, maintaining rise initiated on count 1 while keeping the hips aligned under the torso. Sustain gentle right sway to counterbalance the turn, with head weight slightly right to avoid tilting. Focus on minimal foot lift to prevent bouncing, allowing the crossing action to originate from hip flexibility rather than leg movement.
Count 2 (Quick):
Step side and slightly forward with the right foot, positioning it between the follower’s feet while completing an additional 1/8 turn to face the line of dance. Keep the toe flat and body elevated, ensuring the step remains compact to avoid over-rotation. Neutralize sway to center, directing the left side forward into promenade position as the spine elongates upward. Rotate the torso as a single unit with the follower, using frame tension to synchronize rotation without pushing or pulling.
Count 3 (Slow):
Extend the left foot diagonally forward in promenade position, left side leading, with body facing line of dance and heel-toe footwork. Maintain body rise until the end of the beat, then lower gently, allowing the right foot to draw toward the left. Keep shoulders relaxed and head turned toward the follower, with frame connection firm but yielding. Let the turn resolve naturally by grounding through the standing leg, ensuring the free foot brushes inward for seamless continuity.
Turning Lock to Right (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 |
Count 1 (Slow):
Step forward along the line of dance with the left foot, left side leading, initiating a 1/8 body turn to the right while rising at the end of the beat. Brush the right foot toward the left without weight transfer, using contra body movement to enhance rotation. Maintain slight left head weight and light sway, keeping the rib cage aligned over the hips. Anticipate the crossing step by keeping hips supple, ensuring your right foot trails close to the standing leg for fluid momentum.
Count & (Quick):
Cross the right foot loosely behind the left, toe pointing diagonally backward, as the body rotates 1/4 turn between counts 1 and 2 to back diagonal center. Rise continues, with weight on the ball of the right foot and hips forward to avoid sitting. Sustain left sway and head weight, allowing the left shoulder to soften toward the leader. Engage the core to stabilize the spine during the cross, preventing the upper body from leaning forward.
Count 2 (Quick):
Step side and slightly back with the left foot, aligning it under the body as the torso completes a 1/8 turn to back line of dance. Rise remains, with footwork transitioning to toe flat as sway neutralizes. Articulate the head smoothly toward promenade position as the right foot brushes toward the left. Emphasize stretch through the right side, extending the arm without stiffness to mirror the leader’s frame.
Count 3 (Slow):
Step side with the right foot in promenade position, brushing the left foot toward the right before settling into the heel. Maintain elevation until the end of the beat, then lower smoothly with body facing center. Keep the right side active and elbow angled forward, head turned toward the leader. Control descent through the ankle and knee, ensuring the final position balances elegance with readiness for the next figure.
General Notes
4. Final Summary
Core Points
- Footwork Precision: Heel-toe for forward/backward slows, toe for quicks ensures smooth weight transitions and prevents stumbles.
- Turn Distribution: Leaders execute two eighths over quicks; followers complete a quarter between steps 1–3—this avoids rushed rotations.
- Rise & Fall: Gradual rise starts end of slow, peaks on second quick, halts on close step, and lowers on final slow—essential for buoyancy.
- Starting Position: Always begin in closed position unless transitioning from outside partner figures like a progressive chassé.
Advanced Elements
- Musicality: Accent the first slow’s drive and final slow’s resolution to match Quickstep’s syncopated 4/4 phrasing.
- Sway as Rotation Aid: Leaders use light right sway on quicks to steer; followers use left sway to enhance turn—never force it.
- Frame Stability: Keep elbows softly flexed and backs expanded—prevents “frame collapse” during turns.
- Head Control: Followers maintain left head position until final step; leaders avoid chin lifting—this sharpens body lines.
- Syncopated Flow: The closing quick (step 3) is a checkpoint, not a full stop—think of it as a breath before progression.
“Clock gears interlocking—each turn measured, each swing purposeful.”
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”.