Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position,

Step 1 (Slow): Commence backing Line of Dance, stepping left foot back onto toe then heel, initiating a right turn with slight Contra Body Movement. Begin rising at the end of the step without foot rise, keeping shoulders level and spine aligned toward the lady. Maintain gentle compression in the standing leg to prepare for the side step.

Step 2 (Quick): Step right foot side onto toe, turning 1/4 to 3/8 right to face Diagonal Centre, continuing the rise initiated earlier. Rotate the torso smoothly, allowing the hips to lead the turn while keeping the frame stable and elbows forward. Ensure the head remains poised left, with eyes directed toward the turning direction.

Step 3 (Quick): Close left foot to right foot onto toe, completing the body turn to face Diagonal Centre, sustaining rise. Minimize sway by keeping the spine vertical and weight centered between both feet. Feel the connection through the right side of the body guiding the lady’s shaping.

Step 4 (Slow): Step right foot side and slightly forward onto toe, facing Line of Dance, flexing the knee without lowering the heel to check momentum. Hold the rise, elongating the right side of the body while keeping the left shoulder forward. Avoid leaning into the step; instead, use knee flexion to absorb energy.

Step 5 (Quick): Step left foot diagonally forward onto toe, turning slightly to face Diagonal Wall, sustaining rise. Lead with the left side of the torso, creating a diagonal body line toward the direction of travel. Keep the frame expansive and resistant to prevent collapsing inward.

Step 6 (Quick): Cross right foot behind left foot onto toe, maintaining alignment toward Diagonal Wall. Use slight left-side leading to initiate the lock, with hips forward and upper body tilted slightly left for balance. Sustain equal weight distribution between feet to avoid stumbling.

Step 7 (Slow): Step left foot diagonally forward onto toe then heel, lowering at the end, preparing to step Outside Partner. Keep the body moving decisively toward Diagonal Wall, with shoulders parallel to the lady’s. Finish with controlled descent, ready to transition into the next figure.

Commence in Closed Position,

Step 1 (Slow): Step right foot forward onto heel then toe, rising at the end, initiating a right turn with Contra Body Movement. Keep the left side stretched toward the man, with head turned right and weight forward over the ball of the foot. Engage the core to prevent arching the lower back.

Step 2 (Quick): Step left foot side onto toe, turning 1/4 right to back Centre, continuing rise and shaping left with the head. Allow the body weight to tilt slightly left while keeping the right shoulder blade connected to the man’s hand. Maintain light tension in the right arm to feel rotational signals.

Step 3 (Quick): Close right foot to left foot onto toe, completing the turn to back Diagonal Centre, sustaining rise and left shape. Gradually return the head to neutral as the feet close, realigning the spine vertically. Avoid over-rotating the shoulders; follow the hips’ alignment.

Step 4 (Slow): Step left foot side and slightly back onto toe, backing Line of Dance, flexing the knee without lowering the heel. Return to a neutral body position, keeping the torso upright and frame symmetrical. Press firmly into the floor to create propulsion for the backward lock.

Step 5 (Quick): Step right foot back with right-side leading onto toe, turning to back Diagonal Wall. Stretch the right side of the ribcage away from the man, creating a crescent-shaped body line. Keep the head turned left with chin lifted for elegance.

Step 6 (Quick): Cross left foot in front of right foot onto toe, sustaining backward momentum toward Diagonal Wall. Hold the upper body steady while the legs move dynamically, using the standing leg for stability. Avoid sinking into the hips; stay lifted through the pelvis.

Step 7 (Slow): Step right foot diagonally back onto toe then heel, lowering at the end. Maintain CBMP and Outside Partner position, with shoulders aligned under the man’s right arm. Conclude with controlled lowering, preserving connection.

Core Points

• Footwork Precision: Leaders use toe-heel on Step 1; followers use heel-toe. This ensures smooth weight transfer during turns.
• Rise Timing: Rise starts at the end of Step 1, peaks by Step 3, and is held through Step 6 before lowering on Step 7. Premature lowering disrupts flight.
• Turn Control: Limit rotation to 1/4–3/8 between Steps 1–2. Overturning strains the partnership.
• Knee Flexion: The leader’s “check” on Step 4 uses bent knees, not heel lowering, to control momentum.

Advanced Elements

• Musicality: Accent the first “Slow” and the final locking “Quick” steps to match Quickstep’s syncopated rhythm.
• Frame Stability: A resistant frame prevents gapping during locks. Imagine compressing a spring between the shoulder blades.
• Body Line Harmony: Followers shape left on the chassé (Steps 2–3), then return to neutral. Over-shaping breaks connection.

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”.