Learn how to beautifully dance
the running Finish
The Running Finish is a foundational bronze figure in Quickstep, essential for transitioning from backward-moving sequences to forward momentum with grace. It embodies the dance’s hallmark lightness and fluidity, often following figures like Chassés to the Right or Back Locks. Like a swift river effortlessly changing course, this figure captures the timeless elegance of Quickstep’s seamless redirection.
The Running Finish 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.
Running Finish (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 |
Slow (Step 1: Left foot back in CBMP, backing diagonal wall)
Begin with your left foot stepping back in contra body movement position, heel leading, rising slightly at the end of the beat while maintaining neutral sway. Keep your torso aligned diagonally to the wall, initiating a gentle right turn with controlled rotation through your frame. Ensure your left shoulder guides the movement without collapsing, allowing space for the lady to pass. Maintain a firm yet flexible frame to lead the turn smoothly without rushing the rise.
Quick (Step 2: Right foot to side and slightly forward, pointing line of dance)
Step your right foot side and slightly forward, using the ball of your foot, with a ¹⁄₄ to ³⁄₈ right turn between steps 1–2 to face line of dance. Apply left sway by elongating your left side, keeping hips level and knees relaxed to sustain elevation. Shape slightly leftward to create space for the lady, ensuring your head remains poised toward line of dance with a soft focus. Focus on effortless weight transfer to avoid jarring the lady’s balance during the turn.
Quick (Step 3: Left foot forward, left side leading, facing line of dance)
Advance your left foot forward, heel-toe, with continued right body turn and left sway, lowering gently at the end of the beat. Keep your left side leading to open a clear path for the lady, ensuring your frame remains steady without tension in the shoulders. Sustain elevation through your core while allowing natural forward momentum to carry the step. Use CBM to harmonize rotation and sway for a polished, unhurried motion.
Slow (Step 4: Right foot forward in CBMP, outside partner)
Step right foot forward in CBMP outside partner, heel leading, returning to neutral sway with controlled descent. Maintain a consistent rightward body turn to prepare for the next figure, ensuring your frame stays connected and responsive to the lady’s movement. Prioritize smooth heel leads and grounded weight to anchor the figure’s conclusion.
Running (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 |
Slow (Step 1: Right foot forward in CBMP, facing diagonal wall)
Step forward onto your right foot in CBMP, heel-toe, rising slightly at the end of the beat with neutral sway and initiating a right turn. Drive powerfully through your leg to generate momentum, keeping your spine elongated and frame expansive. Engage your core to project energy forward without leaning into the leader.
Quick (Step 2: Left foot to side, backing diagonal center)
Step left foot to the side on the ball, completing a ¹⁄₄ right turn to back diagonal center, with strong right sway. Stretch your left side upward, lifting the left hip slightly while shaping rightward; let your head follow the shape, eyes softly directed right. Stay light on your feet to allow the leader’s guidance without resistance.
Quick (Step 3: Right foot back, right side leading, backing line of dance)
Step right foot back, toe-heel, with an additional ¹⁄₈ right turn between steps 2–3, maintaining right sway and lowering at the end of the beat. Lead with your right side to mirror the leader’s path, keeping shoulders relaxed and frame supple. Push firmly off your standing leg for a dynamic, sweeping motion.
Slow (Step 4: Left foot back in CBMP, backing line of dance)
Step left foot back in CBMP, toe leading, returning to neutral sway. Keep your frame connected and responsive, ensuring your head realigns gracefully toward line of dance. Anticipate the next figure by sustaining fluid hip motion and controlled descent.
General Notes
Core Points
- Footwork precision: Heel-toe for forward steps and toe-heel for backward steps ensure controlled weight transitions.
- Rise and fall: Gradual ascent on the “slow” and sustained elevation on “quicks” create Quickstep’s signature bounce.
- Alignment shifts: From diagonal wall to line of dance, consistent directional awareness prevents drifting.
- CBM integration: Subtle body rotation on steps 1 and 4 facilitates smooth turns without over-rotation.
Advanced Elements
- Musicality: Emphasize the second “quick” as a pivotal moment for redirection, matching Quickstep’s syncopated rhythm.
- Sway coordination: Left sway for the leader and right sway for the lady during turns enhance centrifugal harmony.
- Frame stability: A responsive yet unyielding frame ensures seamless weight transfers and rotational unity.
“A hummingbird darting through blossoms.”
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”.