VOLUME: 1
International Style Standard [Modern] Ballroom Dancing
WALTZ- QUICKSTEP-TANGO- FOXTROT-VIENNESE WALTZ
Technical descriptions of popular introductory figures, WITH FOOT DIAGRAMS
This book will not teach you how to dance. This book is intended to serve
as a reference in a Ballroom Dance instructional series. If only Waltz,
Quickstep,and Tango are taught 80% of the figures in this manual can be
learned in a 12 week series of 1 hour group courses, assuming 2 additional
hours of assisted practice is available each week.
Such a training routine is recommended for competitive collegiate
ballroom dance teams in their first semester of Ballroom training.
Dancers Notes  2001
Kevin Buell
Revision
August 18 2001
Introduction
Generally, this book was written to serve as an introductory reference manual for a
beginner student of ballroom dancing. More specifically, this book is written to be used
as the guidebook for collegiate ballroom dance teams training first semester students.
It is my hope that by providing quality Ballroom Dancing guides to collegiate ballroom
dance teams that these teams may grow and further promote the development of ballroom
dance on college campuses.
In future volumes I will release similar guides for American Smooth Ballroom
Dancing, as well as more advanced texts which will eventually include silver level
syllabus.
On Foot Diagrams: While many other fine ballroom dance guides are commercially
available, one feature which almost all these guides lack is the inclusion of diagrams
indicating the placements of the fee. By including foot diagrams, it is hoped that the less
experienced students who do not understand the tabular figure information will find this
guide most helpful. Foot diagrams are placed on a grid where each square represents a
2’x2’ distance. The mens feet represent a length of 12 inches, and the ladies feet are
slightly smaller.
2
International Standard
Abbreviations Used in this Text
Rhythm
S=Slow, 2 beats of music.
Q=Quick, 1 beat of music
Foot Position
RF= Right Foot
LF= Left Foot
SLT=slight(ly)
TTI= Toe Turned In
TTO= Toe Turned Out
Body Position
SLT=slight
CBM=Contra-Body Motion
CBMP= Contra-Body
Motion Position
R=Right
L=Left
Alignment
LOD= Line of Dance
DC= Diagonal Center
DW=Diagonal Wall
P= (foot) Pointing
A-LOD= Against LOD
Foot-Work
T=Toe
H=Heel
B=Ball of foot
HT= Heel, then Toe
TH= Toe, then Heel
F= foot (flat foot)
LF= Left Foot
RF= Right Foot
W= whole (foot)
IE= Inside Edge
Turn
Com= Commence
E/O= (at) end of
Cont= Continue
R=Right
L=Left
BTL= Body Turns Less
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
Bet= Between
RISE & FALL
Com= Commence
E/O= (at) end of
Cont= Continue
NFR= No-foot rise (Body
Rise with heel on the
ground)
R= Rise
L= Lower
Other
PP= Promenade Position
CP= Closed Position
OP= Outside Partner
PO= Partner Outside
Waltz
Style: International (English) Style
Category: Modern/Standard Ballroom
Rhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on the 1)
Tempo: 30 Bars per minute (Competition)
29-34 Bars per minute (Social)
Phrasing: 8 Bar Phrasing
When people hear the phrase 'Ballroom Dance' they invariably think
of the Waltz.
Waltz is THE fundamental Ballroom dance. Originating hundreds of
years ago in Bavarian Europe, the original waltz had a much faster tempo
and was more similar to our modern 'Viennese Waltz'. The dance
experienced significant opposition when it was popularized across Europe.
The idea of a man holding a woman hip to hip and cavorting about seemed
somehow improper.
This modern 'Slow Waltz' is derived from an American version of the
Waltz called 'The Boston' which was characterized by the slow tempo, long
flowing steps, and the closed position which made our slow waltz what it is
today.
A strong foundation in Waltz is the basis of understanding
International Standard and American Smooth dances. Most figures in other
dances such as foxtrot are merely steps from Waltz danced to a different
Rhythm.
What distinguishes Waltz as Waltz then is the character, which has
been described as 'being in love- forever'.
4
International Standard
WALTZ
Table Of Contents
Bronze Syllabus
RF Closed change........................................................................................................................................... 6
LF Closed change........................................................................................................................................... 8
Reverse Turn ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Natural Turn ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Whisk ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
Chasse from Promenade Position ................................................................................................................. 16
Natural Spin Turn......................................................................................................................................... 18
Closed Impetus ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Hesitation Change ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Useful Amalgamations
[1] Facing DW:
Natural Turn
RF Closed Change
Reverse Turn
LF Close Change
[2] Facing DW:
Whisk
Chasse
Natural Turn (Outside Partner on 1)
[3] Facing DW at corner:
Natural Turn
Whisk
Chasse
Natural Turn (Outside Partner on 1)
[4]
Natural Spin Turn
4-6 of Reverse Turn
(Underturned to face DC)
[5]
Hesitation Change
Reverse Turn
[6]
1-3 of Natural Turn
Closed Impetus
4-6 of Reverse Turn
(Underturned to face DC)
Reverse Turn
Gentleman
Waltz
RF Closed change
(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
2
2
3
3
6
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
RF Fwd
Slight
CBM
Facing
DC
HT
Com R
e/o 1
Sway
R
Facing
DC
T
Cont R
Sway
R
Facing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
LF Side
& slightly
Fwd
RF
Closes to
LF
Description
R=Rise,
L=Lower
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
RF Closed change
(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1
2
2
3
3
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
LF Back
Slight
CBM
Backing
DC
TH
Com R
e/o 1
Sway L
Backing
DC
T
Cont R
Sway L
Backing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
RF Side
&slightly
Back
LF closes
to RF
International Standard
Description
7
Gentleman
Waltz
LF Closed change
(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
2
2
3
3
8
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
LF Fwd
Slight
CBM
Facing
DW
HT
Com R
e/o 1
Sway L
Facing
DW
T
Cont R
Sway L
Facing
DW
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
RF Side
& slightly
Fwd
LF
Closes to
RF
Description
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
LF Closed change
(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1
2
2
3
3
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
RF Back
Slight
CBM
Backing
DW
TH
Com R
e/o 1
Sway
R
Backing
DW
T
Cont R
Sway
R
Backing
DW
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
LF Side
&slightly
Back
RF
closes to
LF
International Standard
Description
9
Gentleman
Waltz
Reverse Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
LF fwd
CBM
2
2
RF side
Sway L
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
4
2
RF Back
CBM
5
2
LF side
6
3
RF close
to LF
10
Sway
R
Sway
R
Alignment
Turn
Facing
DC
Com
turning L
Backing
DW
Backing
LOD
Backing
LOD
Pointing
DW
Facing
DW
1/4 L Bet
1&2
1/8 L bet
2&3
Cont
turning L
3/8 L bet
4&5, BTL
BCT
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
TH
*
T
Cont R
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Description
* Down on 4, Com to
R e/o 4- NFR
BTL=Body Turns
Less
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Reverse Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Foot
Body
RF Back
CBM
Backing
DC
Com turn L
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2
2
LF Side
Sway
R
Pointing
to LOD
3/8 L bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns
Less
3
3
RF
closes to
LF
Sway
R
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
4
2
LF Fwd
CBM
Cont L
HT
*
*Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5
2
RF side
Sway L
T
Cont R
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Facing
LOD
Backing
Wall
Backing
DW
International Standard
1/4 L bet
4&5
3/8 L Bet
5&6
11
Gentleman
Waltz
Natural Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
2
2
LF side
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
Sway
R
4
2
LF Back
CBM
5
2
RF side
Sway L
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
12
Alignment
Turn
Facing
DW
Com
turning R
Backing
DC
Backing
LOD
Backing
LOD
Pointing
DC
Facing
DC
1/4 R Bet
1&2
1/8 R bet
2&3
Cont
turning R
3/8 R bet
4&5, BTL
BCT
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
TH
*
T
Cont R
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Description
* Down on 4, Com to
R e/o 4- NFR
BTL=Body Turns
Less
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Natural Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Foot
Body
LF Back
CBM
Backing
DW
Com turn
R
TH
Com
R e/o
1 NFR
NFR=No Foot
Rise
3/8 R
bet 1&2,
BTL
T
Cont
R
BTL=Body Turns
Less
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
*Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
1
1
2
2
RF
Side
Sway
L
Pointin
g to
LOD
3
3
LF
closes
to RF
Sway
L
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Cont
R, L
e/o 3
4
2
RF Fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
Cont R
HT
*
Backing
Centre
1/4 R
bet
4&5
T
Cont
R
Backing
DC
3/8 R
Bet 5&6
TH
Cont
R, L
e/o 6
5
2
LF side
Sway
R
6
3
RF
close to
LF
Sway
R
International Standard
13
Gentleman
Waltz
Whisk
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
2
2
3
3
14
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
LF Fwd
Slight
CBM
Facing
DW
HT
Com R
e/o 1
Sway L
Facing
DW
T
Cont R
Sway L
PP
Facing
DW
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
RF Side
& slightly
Fwd
LF
Crosses
behind
RF in PP
Description
PP= Promenade
Position
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Whisk
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1
2
2
3
3
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Foot
Body
RF Back
Slight
CBM
Backing
DW
No turn on
1
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
NFR= No foot Rise
Sway
R
Pointing
DC
1/4 R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL= Body Turns
Less
Sway
R
PP
Facing
DC
Body
completes
Turn
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
PP= Promenade
Position
LF Diag
Back
RF
crosses
behind
LF in PP
International Standard
15
Gentleman
Waltz
Chasse from Promenade Position
Rhythm: 12&3
S
Position
t
Beat
e
Foot
Body
p
Man
RF Fwd CBM
1
&
P&
1
across
PP
2
2
3
&
4
3
LF Side
&
slightly
Fwd
RF
Closes
to LF
LF side
and
slightly
FWD
Alignment
Along
LOD,
Facing
DW
Facing
DC
Facing
DC
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
HT
Com
R e/o
1
No CBM, just
CBMP
T
Cont
R
Steps 2 & 3
each consume
1/2 a beat of
music
T
Cont
R
TH
Up,
L e/o
3
Follow with RF
fwd in CBMP
OP into any Nat
Fig
About the Chasse, What is an ‘&’ beat?
16
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Chasse from Promenade Position
Rhythm: 12&3
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
2
1
2
3
&
4
3
Position
Foot
Body
LF Fwd
&
across
CBM
P&
PP
RF
Side
LF
closes
to RF
RF side
and
slightly
back
Alignment
Along
LOD,
facing
DC
Turn
Start to
turn L on
1
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com
R e/o
1
CBM & CBMP
Steps 2 & 3
each consume
1/2 a beat of
music
Backing 1/8 L bet
Wall
1&2
T
Cont
R
Backing 1/8 L bet
DW
2&3
T
Cont
R
TH
Up,
L e/o
3
Backing
DW
International Standard
No turn
on 4
Description
17
Gentleman
Waltz
Natural Spin Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
2
2
LF side
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
Sway
R
4
2
LF Back
CBM
5
2
RF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
6
3
LF side &
slightly
back
18
Alignment
Turn
Facing
DW
Com
turning R
Backing
DC
Backing
LOD
Down
LOD,
Toe
turned in
Facing
LOD
1/4 R Bet
1&2
1/8 R bet
2&3
Backing
DC
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
1/2 R
(Pivot)
THT
Down
on 4
Cont R
turn
HT
R
3/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
Description
Heel in contact with
floor during turn
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Natural Spin Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1
Position
Foot
Body
LF Back
CBM
2
2
RF Side
3
3
LF closes
to RF
Sway
L
Sway
L
4
2
RF Fwd
CBM
5
2
6
3
LF back
and
slightly
side
RF brush
LF then,
Diag Fwd
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com turn R
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
3/8 R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BCT
TH
1/4 R
(Pivot)
HT
Backing
LOD
Cont R
T
R
Facing
DC
3/8 R Bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
Backing
DW
Pointing
to LOD
Facing
LOD
Facing
LOD
International Standard
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Down
on 4
Description
NFR=No Foot Rise
BTL=Body Turns
Less
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
19
Gentleman
Waltz
Closed Impetus
Rhythm: 1232
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
Position
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
LF Back
CBM
Backing
LOD
Com R
TH
Sway L
Facing
DC
3/8 R bet
1&2
HT
R e/o 2
1/4 R bet
2&3
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
1
1
2
2
RF
closes to
LF
3
3
LF side &
slightly
back
4
2
RF back
20
Alignment
CBM
Backing
DC
against
LOD
Backing
DC
against
LOD
T
Description
Heel Turn
This is the first step
of next figure
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Closed Impetus
Rhythm: 1232
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
Sway
R
1
1
2
2
LF side
3
3
RF brush
LF, then
diag fwd
4
2
LF fwd
CBM
Alignment
Facing
LOD
Backing
DC
Facing
DC
against
LOD
Facing
DC
against
LOD
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
HT
Com R
T
Rise
e/o 2
3/8 R bet
1&2
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
1/4 R bet
2&3
H
This is the first step
of next figure
21
Gentleman
Waltz
Hesitation Change
Rhythm: 123 223
S
Position
Beat
t
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Man
RF Fwd
CBM
1 1
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Facing
DW
Com Turn
R
HT
Com
Rise
e/o 1
2
2
LF Side
Sway
R
Backing
DC
¼ R bet
1&2
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
Backing
LOD
1/8 R bet
2&3
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 3
4
2
LF back
CBM
Backing
LOD
Com R
TH
Down
5
2
RF pulls
to side of
LF
Sway L
Facing
DC
3/8 R btw
4&5
H,
IE F,
whol
e foot
Down
6
3
LF Close
to RF (no
weight)
Sway L
Facing
DC
IE T
Down
22
Description
Steps 1-3 of a
natural Turn
Turning from L heel
on to RF
(HEEL PULL)
International Standard
Waltz
Lady
Hesitation Change
Rhythm: 123 223
S
Position
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Lady
LF back
CBM
1 1
Backing
DW
Com R
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Pointing
to LOD
3/8 R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 3
4
2
RF Fwd
CBM
Down
2
LF Side
Sway
R
Com turn
R
3/8 R bet
4&5
HT
5
Facing
LOD
Backing
DC
TH
Down
6
3
RF Close
to LF (No
weight)
Sway
R
Backing
DC
IE T
Down
Alignment
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Steps 1-3 of a
Natural Turn
23
QuickStep
Style: International (English) Style
Category: Modern/Standard Ballroom
Rhythm: 4/4 time (Accents on 1 & 3, 1 stronger)
Tempo: 50-52 Bars per minute (Competition)
38-54 Bars per minute (Social)
Phrasing:
Originally called 'Quick-Time Foxtrot' (and originally competed under
the category 'Quick-Time Foxtrot and Charleston'), the Quickstep developed
from the slower Foxtrot. As bands began to play the Foxtrot rhythm in a
faster and faster manner, dancers still wanted to dance their familiar Foxtrot
steps. After some adjustment Quickstep emerged as its own dance.
The 'Stand-Alone' in International Style, its closest American Style
equivalent is the Peabody, which is only very rarely seen in the US today.
The Charleston, which was a strong influence on the development of
Quickstep originated in Charleston South Carolina. Charleston was
characterized by kicks, hops, foot Points, and fast movements with knees
bent inward. Charleston was not a ‘Ballroom dance’ by our modern
definitions, and was not danced in the closed ballroom position.
24
International Standard
QuickStep
Table Of Contents
Quarter Turn to Right ................................................................................................................................... 26
Progressive Chasse ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Forward Lock Step ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Closed Impetus ............................................................................................................................................. 32
Natural Spin Turn......................................................................................................................................... 34
Progressive Chasse to Right ......................................................................................................................... 36
Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)................................................................................................................ 38
Chasse Reverse Turn .................................................................................................................................... 40
Useful Amalgamations
[1]
Quarter Turn to Right
Progressive Chasse
[3]
Natural Spin Turn
Progressive Chasse
[2]
Quarter Turn to Right
Progressive Chasse
Forward Lock-Step
Quarter Turn to Right
Progressive Chasse
[4]
1-3 Natural Spin Turn
Closed Impetus
Progressive Chasse
International Standard
[5]
1-3 Natural Spin Turn
Tipple Chasse to Right
Chasse Reverse Turn
Progressive Chasse
25
Gentleman
Quickstep
Quarter Turn to Right
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Man
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
Position
Alignment
Turn
Com to
turn R
1/8 R
bet 1&2
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
LF side
Sway
R
Facing
DW
Backing
Center
Sway
R
Backing
DC
Backing
DC
RF
closes to
LF
LF side
and
slightly
back
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
1/8 R
bet 2&3
T
Cont R
None
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 4
Description
Quarter Turn to Right
(Man)
26
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Quarter Turn to Right
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
Position
Alignment
Turn
Com to
turn R
Foot
Body
LF back
CBM
Backing
DW
2
3-Q
RF side
Sway L
Pointing
DC
3
4-Q
LF closes
to RF
Sway L
Facing
DC
4 5,6-S
RF diag
fwd
Facing
DC
1/4 R
between
1-2, Body
turns less
slight
body turn
none
Foot Rise
work & Fall
TH
Com R
e/o 1,
NFR
T
Cont R
T
Cont R
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 4
Description
Quarter Turn to Right
(Lady)
International Standard
27
Gentleman
Quickstep
Progressive Chasse
Rhythm: SQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Man
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5 7,8-S
28
Position
Foot
Body
RF back
CMB
LF side
RF
closes to
LF
LF side &
slightly
forward
RF fwd
OP
CMB&
CBMP
Alignment
Turn
Backing
DC
Com to
turn L
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
Pointing
DW
1/4 bet 12, Body
turns less
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
slight
body turn
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 4
Facing
DW
Foot Rise
work & Fall
H
Description
Step 5 is not part of
Chasse, but acts as
first step of figure to
follow
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Progressive Chasse
Rhythm: SQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF fwd
CMB
Alignment
Turn
Facing
DC
Backing
W
Com to
turn L
1/8 bet 12
1/8 bet 23, Body
turns less
2
3-Q
RF side
3
4-Q
LF closes
to RF
Backing
DW
4 5,6-S
RF side,
slightly
back
Backing
DW
5 7,8-S
LF back
PO
CMB&
CBMP
Backing
DW
International Standard
Nil
-
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
T
Cont R
TH
Up.
Lower
e/ 4
T
Description
Step 5 is not part of
chasse, but acts as
first step of figure to
follow
29
Gentleman
Quickstep
Forward Lock Step
Rhythm:SQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Man
1
1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd,
OP
Slight
CBM&
CBMP
LF fwd &
slt side
RF cross
behind
LF
4 5,6-S
LF fwd &
slt side
5 7,8-S
RF fwd
CBMP,
OP
30
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Facing
DW
-
HT
Com R
e/o 1
Facing
DW
-
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
-
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 4
Facing
DW
-
H
Description
Although feet are
DW, body faces a
little more towards
wall throughout
figure
Step 5 is first step
of figure to follow
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Forward Lock Step
Rhythm:SQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5 7,8-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF back
Slight
CMB&
CBMP
RF back
LF cross
in front of
RF
RF back
and slt
Side
LF back
in CBMP
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Backing
DW
-
TH
Com
NFR
e/o 1
Backing
DW
-
T
Cont R
Backing
DW
-
T
Cont R
Backing
DW
-
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 4
Backing
DW
International Standard
T
Description
Step 5 is first step
of figure to follow
31
Gentleman
Quickstep
Closed Impetus
Rhythm:SSSS
S
Position
Beat
t
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Man
LF back
CBM
1 1,2-S
2 3,4-S
3 5,6-S
4 7,8-S
32
RF close
to LF
LF side &
slightly
back
RF Back
Sway L
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Backing
LOD
Facing
DC
Backing
DC
A-LOD
Backing
DC
A-LOD
Com to
turn R
3/8 bet 12
up to1/4
bet 2-3
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
TH
HT
TH
Rise
e/o 2
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
(Heel turn)
*(or backing DC of
new LOD when
danced at corner.)
T
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Closed Impetus
Rhythm:SSSS
S
Position
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Lady RF fwd
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Facing
LOD
Sway
R
Backing
DC
Com to
turn R
3/8
between
1-2
1 1,2-S
2 3,4-S
3 5,6-S
4 7,8-S
LF side
RF diag
fwd,
having
brushed
to LF
LF fwd
Facing
DC
A-LOD
SBM
Facing
DC
A-LOD
International Standard
Up to 1/4
bet 2-3
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
HT
T
Rise
e/o 2
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
*(or DC of new LOD
when danced at
corner.)
H
33
Gentleman
Quickstep
Natural Spin Turn
Rhythm:SQQSSS
S
Position
Beat
t
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Man
RF Fwd
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Com Turn
R
¼ R bet
1&2
2
3-Q
LF Side
Sway
R
Facing
DW
Backing
DC
3
4-Q
Close RF
to LF
Sway
R
Backing
LOD
1 1,2-S
4 5,6-S
LF Back
(Pivot)
CBM
5 7,8-S
RF Fwd
CBM
9,10S
LF Side
&
Slightly
back
6
34
Down
LOD,
TTI,
End
facing
LOD
Facing
LOD
Backing
DC
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Steps 1-3 Turn to R
to back LOD
Steps 2-4 are a
Chasse
HT
R e/o 1
T
Up
1/8 R bet
2&3
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
½ R on 4
(Pivot)
THT
Cont R
HT
Rise
e/o 5
5 & 6 are the spin
3/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 6
*This figure can be
underturned at a
corner
Pivot to Right.
Hold RF in front of
you in CBMP
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Natural Spin Turn
Rhythm:SQQSSS
S
Position
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Lady
LF Back
CBM
1 1,2-S
Alignment
Backing
DW
Pointing
LOD
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com R
TH
NFR
e/o 1
3/8 R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Up
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
Description
Steps 1-3 turn to R
to face LOD
Steps 2-4 are a
Chasse
2
3-Q
RF Side
Sway L
3
4-Q
LF Close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
4 5,6-S
RF Fwd
Keeping
LF
Behind
you
CBM
Facing
LOD
½ R*
HT
5 7,8-S
LF back
&
Slt Left
NO
CBM!
Backing
LOD, end
backing
LOD
Cont R
T
Rise
e/o 5
5 & 6 are the spin
Facing
DC
3/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Up.
Lower
e/o 6
* Brush RF to LF
and then step diag
forward
6
9,10S
RF diag
Fwd*
International Standard
* Pivot-like turn
35
Gentleman
Quickstep
Progressive Chasse to Right
Rhythm: SQQS
S
Position
Beat
t
&
e Rhythm
Foot
Body
p
Man
LF Fwd
CBM
1 1,2-S
Alignment
Turn
Facing
DC
Backing
W
Com turn
L
1/8 bet 12
1/8 bet 23, body
turns less
2
3-Q
RF side
3
4-Q
LF closes
to RF
Backing
DW
RF side
& slightly
back
Backing
DW
4 5,6-S
-
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Com R
e/o 1
T
Cont R
T
Cont R
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 4
Description
Note: If 1/2 turn is made on Chasse, amount of turn will be:
Man- 1/4 between 1 and 2, 1/8 between 2 and 3, 1/8 between 4 and first step of
following figure.
36
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Progressive Chasse to Right
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
Position
Foot
Body
RF back
CBM
LF side
RF
closes to
LF
LF side
and
slightly
fwd
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Backing
DC
Com to
turn L
TH
Com R
e/o 1
NFR
Pointing
DW
1/4 bet 12, Body
turns less
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
Slight
body turn
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 4
Description
Note: If 1/2 turn is made on Chasse, amount of turn will be:
Lady- 3/8 between 1-2 (body turns less) body completes turn on 3: 1/8 between
3-4 (body turns less)
International Standard
37
Gentleman
Quickstep
Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)
Rhythm:SQQSQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Man
Position
Foot
Body
1 1,2-S
LF back
CBM
2
3-Q
RF side
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5
7-Q
6
8-Q
7
9,10
-S
8
1011
-S
38
LF closes
to RF
RF side
& slightly
fwd
LF diag
fwd
RF cross
behind
LF
LF diag
fwd
preparing
to step
OP
RF fwd,
OP
L side
leading
CBM&
CBMP
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Backing
LOD
Com to
turn R
TH
Com to
R e/o 1
NFR
Facing
new LOD
Facing
LOD
1/4 R bet
1&2
T
Cont R
T
Cont R
Facing
DW
1/8 R bet
3&4
T
Up
Facing
DW
T
Up
Facing
DW
T
Up
Facing
DW
TH
Up
Lower
e/o 7
Facing
DW
H
down
Description
Preceded by 1-3 of
natural turn
Steps 2-4 are a
chasse
Steps 5-8 are 2-5 of
forward lock
Body facing more
toward wall in steps
5-7
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Tipple Chasse to Right (at corner)
Rhythm:SQQSQQSS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
LF side
RF
closes to
LF
LF side
and
slightly
back
Alignment
Facing
LOD
Backing
new LOD
Turn
Com to
R e/o 1
T
Cont R
T
Cont R
T
Up
Backing
DW
T
Up
Steps 5-8 are 2-5 of
forward lock
Body facing more
torwards center 5-7
Backing
DW
1/4 R bet
1&2
1/8 R bet
3&4
7-Q
RF back
6
8-Q
LF
crosses
in front of
RF
Backing
DW
T
Up
7
9,10
-S
RF diag
back
Backing
DW
TH
Up
Lower
e/o 7
8
1011
-S
LF back
Backing
DW
T
down
CBM&
CBMP
Description
HT
Backing
LOD
R side
leading
Foot Rise
work & Fall
International Standard
Steps 2-4 are a
chasse
39
Gentleman
Quickstep
Chasse Reverse Turn
Rhythm:SQQSQQS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Man
Position
Foot
Body
1 1,2-S
LF Fwd
CBM
2
3-Q
RF Side
Sway L
3
4-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
4 5,6-S
Back RF
CBM
5
7-Q
Close LF
to RF
Sway
R
6
8-Q
Turn L on
R heel
Sway
R
7
9,10S
LF Fwd
CBM
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Facing
LOD or
DC
Backing
DW
Com
Turn L
HT
Rise
e/o 1
¼ L bet
1&2
T
Up
Back
LOD
1/8 L bet
2&3
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
Description
Steps 2-4 are a
Chasse
TH
3/8 L bet 4
&6
H
H-RF
Facing
DW
5 & 6 are a heel
pivot (Man takes 1
step, lady takes 2)
Toe pressure on L
Foot
H
*Note:Steps 4-7 are a heel pivot and can be danced separately (See
Heel Pivot)
40
International Standard
Quickstep
Lady
Chasse Reverse Turn
Rhythm:SQQSQQS
S
t Beat
&
e Rhythm
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Body
RF Back
CBM
Begin
Backing
LOD or
DC
Pointing
LOD
End
facing
LOD
Com
Turning L
TH
Rise
e/o 1
NFR
3/8 L bet
1&2, BTL
T
Up
BCT
TH
Up
Lower
e/o 3
2
3-Q
LF Side
Sway
R
3
4-Q
Close RF
to LF
Sway
R
4 5,6-S
LF Fwd
CBM
HT
5
7-Q
RF Side
Sway L
T
6
8-Q
Close LF
to RF
Sway L
TH
7
9,10S
RF Back
CBM
Backing
DW
Steps 1-3 are a
Chasse
T
*Note:Steps 4-7 are a heel pivot and can be danced separately (See
Heel Pivot)
International Standard
41
Tango
Style: International (English) Style
Category: Modern/Standard Ballroom
Rhythm: 4/4 time (Beats of Equal Intensity) (Rarely, 2/4 Time)
Tempo: 33 Bars per minute (Competition)
28-34 Bars per minute (Social)
Phrasing:
“Although many different interpretations have appeared, at no time have these deviated
from the theme of a partnership in which the man is dominant.”
–Peggy Spencer, MBE Fellow and examiner or the Imperial Society of Teachers
of Dance.
The tango is a departure from the other standard dances. The tango exhibits no Rise &
Fall, so characteristic of the other standard dances. The tango exhibits no Sway or Lilt.
What then does the Tango have?
Contra-body Staccato movement, and lots of it!
The American Tango is characterized by the use of drum rhythm, and legato
movement, with a wide variety of character and emotion. Very different from its
American counterpart, the International Tango is best described as Fierce in character,
and an intensely powerful dance.
While American Tango is the dance of ‘Yes!’, ‘No’, and ‘Maybe.’, the International
tango is the dance of ‘Now!’ and ‘Immediately.’
The International Tango is a dance with frequent sharp snaps and twists, where it may
appear that the woman is nearly about to be broken in two by the powerful man. But in
fact this is the ‘softest’ of the standard dances, where there is no force exchanged
between partners and the speed that is felt is much, much less than that which is seen.
If tango feels ‘hard’ or ‘tense’, then you are doing it wrong.
42
International Standard
Tango
Table Of Contents
Bronze Syllabus
Forward Walk............................................................................................................................................... 44
Progressive Side Step ................................................................................................................................... 46
Progressive Link........................................................................................................................................... 48
Closed Promenade ........................................................................................................................................ 50
Rock Turn..................................................................................................................................................... 52
Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside, Closed Finish ....................................................................................... 54
Back Corte’................................................................................................................................................... 56
LF Rocks ...................................................................................................................................................... 58
RF Rocks ...................................................................................................................................................... 58
Useful Amalgamations
[1]
Forward Walk
Progressive Side-Step
[2]
Forward Walk
Progressive Link
Closed Promenade
Forward Walk
[3]
Forward Walk
Progressive Link
Closed Promenade
Rock Turn
[4]
Forward Walk (Curving
Left)
Open Reverse Turn,
lady outside partner,
closed finish
Forward Walk
International Standard
[5]
Forward Walk
Progressive Link
Closed Promenade
Back Corte’
Progressive Link
Closed Promenade
43
Gentleman
Tango
Forward Walk
Rhythm: SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
2 3,4-S
44
Foot
LF fwd
RF fwd
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
Alignment
Turn
Facing DW
R side
leading
Facing DW
Nil or
curved L
Nil or
curved L
Foot Description
work
H
H
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Forward Walk
Rhythm: SS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
2 3,4-S
Foot
RF Back
LF Back
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
L side
leading
International Standard
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
Backing DW
-
BH
Backing DW
-
BH
45
Gentleman
Tango
Progressive Side Step
Rhythm: QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1
1-Q
2
2-Q
3 3,4-S
46
Foot
LF fwd
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
RF side
& slt
back
LF fwd
Y
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
DW
Nil or
Curved L
H
Facing DW
Nil or
curved L
IE of
F
DW
IE= Inside
Edge
H
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Progressive Side Step
Rhythm: QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1-Q
2
2-Q
3 3,4-S
Foot
RF Back
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
LF side &
slt fwd
RF back
L side
leading
Y
International Standard
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
Backing DW
-
BH
Backing DW
-
IE of
BH
Backing DW
-
BH
IE= Inside
Edge
47
Gentleman
Tango
Progressive Link
Rhythm: QQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1
2
1-Q
2-Q
48
Foot
LF fwd
RF Side
& Slt
back
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
PP
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
DW
H
Facing
DW
RF- IE
of
Foot
LF- IF
of B
Body Turns
Slightly to R
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Progressive Link
Rhythm: QQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
2
1-Q
2-Q
Foot
RF Back
LF Side
& slt
Back
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
Promenade
Position
(PP)
International Standard
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
DW
-
BH
Facing
DC
¼ R bet
1&2
LF-IE
of BH
RF-IE
of B
49
Gentleman
Tango
Closed Promenade
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
50
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
LF side
RF Fwd
and
across
LF side &
slt Fwd
RF
closes to
LF,
slightly
back
Y
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
PP
Pointing
DW
none
H
Foot moves
along LOD
pointing DW
PP
Pointing
DW
-
H
Step across
LF in CBMP
Pointing
DW
-
IE of
foot
Facing
DW
-
Whole
foot
End in
closed
Position
Lead woman
to turn left
Turning body
to L, RF
closes to RF
slightly back.
Weight on RF.
End facing
DW in line w/
woman
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Closed Promenade
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
Foot
RF side
2
3-Q
LF Fwd
and
Across
3
4-Q
RF side
& slt
back
4 5,6-S
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
LF closes
to RF &
slt fwd
Y
Y
Alignment
Turn
Foot Description
work
PP
DC
PP
DC
Com L
H
Backing DW
¼ L bet
2&3,
BTL
IE of
BH
BCT
Whole
foot
End in
Closed
Position
International Standard
Backing DW
H
RF moves
along LOD
pointing DC
Step across RF
in CBMP. CBM
when squaring
to partner
End weight on
L foot. Backing
DW in line with
man
51
Gentleman
Tango
Rock Turn
Rhythm: SQQSQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5
7-Q
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
R side
leading
RF Fwd
LF side &
slt back
Weight
transfer
fwd to RF
LF back,
Small
step
RF back
Alignment
Turn
DW
H
Backing
Center
Y
Y
R side
leading
DW
A-LOD
L side
leading
DC
¼ R bet
1&3
IE BH
IE BH
nil
To Center
6
8-Q
LF side &
slt fwd
Pointing DW
7
9,10
-S
RF close
to LF &
slt back
Facing DW
52
Foot Description
work
IE BH
BH
¼ L bet
5&6
IE of
Whole
foot
5-6 is back
closed ending
Whole
Foot
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Rock Turn
Rhythm: SQQSQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
2
3-Q
3
4-Q
4 5,6-S
5
7-Q
6
8-Q
7
9,10
-S
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
L Side
leading
LF Back
RF fwd &
slt side
LF back
& slt side
RF fwd,
small
step
LF Fwd
L Side
leading
R side
leading
Y
Y
RF side&
slt back
LF close
to RF slt
fwd
International Standard
Alignment
Turn
IE of
BH
DW
Facing
Center
DW
A-LOD
¼ R bet
1&3
DC
Nil
To Center
Backing DW
Backing DW
Foot Description
work
H
IE of
BH
¼ L bet
5&6
H
H
IE of
BH
Whole
foot
53
Gentleman
Tango
Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside,
Closed Finish
Rhythm: QQS,QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1
1-Q
2
2-Q
3 3,4-S
4
5
Foot
LF Fwd
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
Y
RF side
LF back
Partner
Outside
(PO)
Y
Turn
DC
Com L
H
BDW
Cont L
BH
Backing
Down LOD
Nil
BH
Down LOD
Com L
BH
IE of
foot
Whole
foot
5-Q
RF back
6-Q
LF side &
slt Fwd
Pointing DW
Cont L,
BTL
RF close
to LF, slt
back
Facing DW
BCT
6 7,8-S
Y
Alignment
Foot Description
work
Body Facing
Wall, Left toe
facing slightly
leftwards
* ¾ Turn L over whole figure
54
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside,
Closed Finish
Rhythm: QQS,QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
2
1-Q
2-Q
3 3,4-S
4
5-Q
5
6-Q
6 7,8-S
Foot
RF Back
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Y
Y
LF fwd
Turn
Backing DC
Com L
Pointing
LOD
LF side &
slt fwd
RF fwd
Alignment
Outside
Partner,
facing LOD
Y
Y
RF side
& slt
back
LF close
to RF, slt
fwd
Cont L
Down LOD
Foot Description
work
BH
Whole
Foot
H
Down LOD
Com L
H
Backing DW
Cont L
IE of
BH
Backing DW
1-3 Turn L to
Face LOD. LF
pointing down
LOD,
Releasing R
heel
Whole
Foot
* ¾ Turn L over whole figure
International Standard
55
Gentleman
Tango
Back Corte’
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
L side
leading
LF Back
Y
Turn
Foot Description
work
Down new
LOD
IE of
BH
DC
BH
2
3-Q
RF Back
3
4-Q
LF side &
slt fwd
Pointing DW
RF
closes to
LF& slt
back
Facing DW
4 5,6-S
Y
Alignment
Up to ¼
L bet
2&3
IE of
foot
Whole
foot
*This step is often used in a corner. This is what the ‘NEW’ LOD indicates. If not used at
a corner, the man simply begins backing down LOD and ends facing DW.
56
International Standard
Tango
Lady
Back Corte’
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1,2-S
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
R side
leading
RF Fwd
Y
Turn
Foot Description
work
Down new
LOD
H
DC
H
2
3-Q
LF Fwd
3
4-Q
Rf side &
slt back
Backing DW
LF close
to RF &
slt fwd
Backing DW
4 5,6-Q
Y
Alignment
Up to ¼
L bet
2&3
IE of
BH
Whole
Foot
*This step is often used in a corner. This is what the ‘NEW’ LOD indicates. If not used at
a corner, the man simply begins backing down LOD and ends facing DW.
International Standard
57
Gentleman
Tango
LF Rocks
Rhythm: QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1
1-Q
2
2-Q
3 3,4-Q
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Alignment
Turn
L side
leading
Down LOD
None
IE of
BH
R side
leading
Against LOD
-
H
L side
leading
Down LOD
-
IE of
BH
Alignment
Turn
Y
Down LOD
None
BH
Y
Against LOD
-
H
Y
Down LOD
-
BH
LF Back
Transfer
weight
fwd to RF
LF back,
small
step
Foot Description
work
RF Rocks
Rhythm: QQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1
1-Q
2
2-Q
3 3,4-Q
58
Foot
RF back
Transfer
weight
fwd to LF
RF back,
small
step
Position
C
C
B
B Body
M
M
P
Foot Description
work
International Standard
Tango
Lady
LF Rocks
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
2
1-Q
2-Q
3 3,4-S
Foot
Position
C
C
B
B
Body
M
M
P
Alignment
Turn
R side
leading
Down LOD
None
H
L side
leading
Against LOD
-
IE of
BH
R side
leading
Down LOD
-
H
Alignment
Turn
Y
Down LOD
None
H
Y
Against LOD
-
BH
Y
Down LOD
-
H
RF fwd
Transfer
weight
back to
LF
RF fwd,
small
step
Foot Description
work
RF Rocks
Rhythm: SQQS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
2
1-Q
2-Q
3 3,4-S
Foot
LF Fwd
Transfer
weight
back to
RF
LF Fwd,
small
step
Position
C
C
B
B Body
M
M
P
International Standard
Foot Description
work
59
Foxtrot
Style: International (English) Style
Category: Modern/Standard Ballroom
Rhythm: 4/4 time (Beats 1 and 3 accentuated, 1 more strongly)
Tempo: 30 Bars per minute (Competition)
28-36 Bars per minute (Social)
The Foxtrot is the worlds most popular ballroom dance. This dance
originated in the United States in 1913 when a Vaudeville stage performer
named Harry Fox would perform the trot as part of his act.
Foxtrot revolutionized ballroom dance
The Foxtrot was a huge leap forward for ballroom dance inasmuch as it
was the first dance to incorporate both Slow (two beat) and quick (one beat)
steps.
Considered by many to be the most challenging dance to learn, the
International Style Bronze syllabus only includes 8 Bronze level figures.
The Foxtrot exhibits a lilting characteristic with slow gradual rise and fall.
Swing and Sway are part of this dance as well.
60
International Standard
Foxtrot
Bronze Syllabus
Feather Step.................................................................................................................................................. 62
Three Step .................................................................................................................................................... 64
Reverse Turn W/ Feather Finish................................................................................................................... 66
Change of Direction ..................................................................................................................................... 68
Closed Impetus W/ Feather Finish ............................................................................................................... 70
Useful Amalgamations
[1]
Feather Step
Three Step
[2]
Three Step
Reverse Turn W/ Feather Finish
Change of Direction
[4]
Three Step
Reverse Turn w/ FF
Three Step
[5]
1-3 Natural Turn
Closed Impetus w/ FF
Three Step
[3]
Feather Step
Change of Direction
Feather -OR- Reverse turn W/ FF
International Standard
61
Gentleman
Foxtrot
Feather Step
Rhythm: SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
RF fwd
CBM
2
3-Q
LF fwd
3
4-Q
RF fwd,
OP
62
*Sway
R
CBMP,
Sway
R
Alignment
Facing
DC
Facing
DC
Facing
DC
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
HT
R e/o 1
T
Up
*L Shoulder leading
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
OP= Outside
Partner
International Standard
Foxtrot
Lady
Feather Step
Rhythm: SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Foot
Body
LF Back
CBM
1
1,2-S
2
3-Q
RF Side
3
4-Q
LF Back
*Sway
L
CBMP,
Sway L
Alignment
Backing
DC
Backing
DC
Backing
DC
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
-
TH
NFR
e/o 1
NFR= No Foot Rise
-
TH
Up
*R Shoulder leading
-
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
63
Gentleman
Foxtrot
Three Step
Rhythm: SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF fwd
CBM*
2
3-Q
RF fwd
Sway L
3
4-Q
LF fwd
Sway L
64
Alignment
Facing
DW
Facing
DW
Facing
DW
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
-
H
-
-
HT
R e/o 2
-
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Description
*Slight Body Turn L
bet 1&3
International Standard
Foxtrot
Lady
Three Step
Rhythm: SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Foot
Body
RF Back
CBM
1
1,2-S
2
3-Q
LF Back
3
4-Q
RF Back
Sway
R
Sway
R
Alignment
Backing
DW
Backing
DW
Backing
DW
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
-
TH
-
TH
-
TH
Description
NFR
e/o 2
Up,
L e/o 3
65
Gentleman
Foxtrot
Reverse Turn W/ Feather Finish
Rhythm: SQQ,SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF Fwd
CBM
2
3-Q
RF Side
Sway L
3
4-Q
LF Back
Sway L
RF Back
CBM
Sway
R
CBMP,
Sway
R
4 1,2-S
5
3-Q
LF side &
slt fwd
6
4-Q
RF fwd,
OP
66
Alignment
Facing
DC
Backing
DW
Backing
LOD
Backing
LOD
Pointing
DW
Facing
DW
Turn
Com L
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
HT
R e/o 1
T
Up
TH
Up, L
e/o 3
Cont L
THT
R e/o 4
3/8 L bet
4&5, BTL
T
Up
BTL= Body Turns
Less
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
OP= Outside
Partner
¼ L bet
1&2
1/8 L bet
2&3
International Standard
Foxtrot
Lady
Reverse Turn W/ Feather Finish
Rhythm: SQQ,SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Foot
Body
RF Back
CBM
Sway
R
CBMP,
Sway
R
1
1,2-S
2
3-Q
LF Close
to RF *
3
4-Q
RF Fwd
4
1,2-S
LF Fwd
CBM
5
3-Q
RF Side
Sway L
6
4-Q
LF Back
CBMP,
Sway L
Alignment
Backing
DC
Facing
LOD
Facing
LOD
Facing
LOD
Backing
Wall
Backing
DW
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
Com L
TH
NFR
e/o 1
NFR= No Foot Rise
3/8 L bet
1&2
HT
Up
*Heel Turn
Nil
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Com L
HT
R e/o 4
TH
Up
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
¼ L bet
4&5
1/7 L bet
5&6, BTL
BTL= Body Turns
Less
67
Gentleman
Foxtrot
Change of Direction
Rhythm: SSS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF fwd
CBM
2 3,4-S
RF diag
fwd, LF
close to
RF w/o
weight
*Sway
L
3 5,6-S
LF fwd
CBMP
68
Alignment
Facing
DW
Pointing
LOD,
End
facing
DC
Facing
DC
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com L
H
-
¼ L bet
1&2
IE of
TH,
then
LF IE
of T
-
-
H
-
Description
* R shoulder
leading
International Standard
Foxtrot
Lady
Change of Direction
Rhythm: SS
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1
1,2-S
Position
Alignment
Foot
Body
RF Back
CBM
Backing
DW
2
3,4-S
LF diag
Back,
then RF
close to
LF w/o
weight
3
5,6-S
RF Back
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com L
TH
-
*Sway
R
Backing
DW, end
backing
DC
¼ L bet
1&2
T,
then
RF
IE of
T
-
CBMP
Backing
DC
-
TH
-
International Standard
Description
*L Shoulder leading
69
Gentleman
Foxtrot
Closed Impetus W/ Feather Finish
Rhythm: SQQ,SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1,2-S
Position
Foot
Body
LF back
CBM
Sway L
2
3-Q
RF Close
to LF*
3
4-Q
LF side &
slt back
4 1,2-S
RF back
CBM
Sway
R
CBMP,
Sway
R
5
3-Q
LF side &
slt fwd
6
4-Q
RF fwd,
OP
70
Alignment
Backing
LOD
Facing
DC
Backing
DC
A-LOD
Backing
DC
A-LOD
Point DC
Facing
DC
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com R
TH
-
3/8 R bet
1&2
HT
R e/o 2
¼ R bet
2&3
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
Com L
THT
R e/o 4
¼ L bet
4&5, BTL
T
Up
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 6
Description
*Heel Turn
International Standard
Foxtrot
Lady
Closed ImpetusW/ Feather Finish
Rhythm: SQQ,SQQ
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
Position
Foot
Body
RF Fwd
CBM
Sway
R
1
1,2-S
2
3-Q
LF Side
3
4-Q
RF diag
Fwd*
4
1,2-S
LF Fwd
CBM
5
3-Q
RF side
Sway L
LF back
CBMP,
Sway L
6
4-Q
Alignment
Facing
LOD
Backing
DC
Facing
DC
A-LOD
Facing
DC
A-LOD
Backing
LOD
Backing
DC
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Com R
HT
-
3/8 R bet
1&2
T
R e/o 2
¼ R bet
2&3
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
Com L
HT
R e/o 4
1/8 L bet
4&5
TH
Up
TH
Up
NFR,
Lower
e/o 6
1/8 L bet
5&5, BTL
Description
* RF brushed LF
before stepping
diag Fwd
71
Viennese Waltz
Style: International Style
Category: Modern Standard Ballroom
Rhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on 1)
Tempo:
International
Competition
60
Bars per minute
Social
56-60
Bars per minute
These ‘preferred’ tempos notwithstanding, the basic figures may be
danced to any waltz played between 44 and 64 bars per minute.
The Viennese Waltz is the classic waltz, more often featured in films than
the more modern ‘slow Waltz’. This dance is a quick rotating dance with a
subtle rise and fall. It is considered a very difficult dance to do properly,
even in its simplest forms.
<Note: Write more on history>
Alignments: The Viennese Waltz is a fast-rotating dance, and therefore
some of the alignments given are slightly confusing. In the Viennese Waltz
a figure may begin with a certain alignment, then rotate 1/8’th of a turn
before the first step touches the floor.
The alignments listed are the alignments for the feet when they first
touch the floor.
<I am not really satisfied with these foot diagrams or alignments, do a
more careful analysis of alignments and step lengths when I have time>
Phrasing: 8-bar phrases, so do 4 reverse turns, and 4 natural turns in a
row
72
International Standard
Viennese Waltz
Table Of Contents
Bronze Syllabus
Left Closed Change ...................................................................................................................................... 74
Right Closed Change.................................................................................................................................... 76
Reverse Turn / Left Turn............................................................................................................................ 78
Natural Turn / Right Turn............................................................................................................................. 80
At Corner,
Underturned Natural Turn
Overturned Reverse Turn
[1]
Useful Amalgamations
[2]
4 Reverse Turns (8 bars)
1 Left Closed Change
3 Natural Turns (6 Bars)
1 Right Closed Change
<Repeat>
4 Natural Turns (8 Bars)
1 Right Closed Change
3 Reverse Turns (6 Bars)
1 Left Closed Change
<Repeat>
International Standard
73
Gentleman
Viennese Waltz
Left Closed Change
(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
LF Fwd
Slt
CBM
2
2
RF side
& slt fwd
Sway L
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
74
Alignment
Com
facing
LOD
End
Facing
DC
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
*
HT
Rise
E/o 1
*
T
Up
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Description
* turn 1/8 L through
1&3
International Standard
Viennese Waltz
Lady
Left Closed Change (Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
RF back
Slt cbm
2
2
LF side &
slt back
Sway
R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
Alignment
Com
backing
LOD
End
Backing
DC
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
*
TH
Rise
E/o 1
*
T
Up
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Description
* turn 1/8 L through
1&3
75
Gentleman
Viennese Waltz
Right Closed Change
(Reverse to Natural)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
RF Fwd
Slt
CBM
2
2
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway
R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
76
Alignment
Com
facing
DC
End
Facing
LOD
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
*
HT
Rise
E/o 1
*
T
Up
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Description
* turn 1/8 R through
1&3
International Standard
Viennese Waltz
Lady
Right Closed Change
(Natural to Reverse)
Rhythm: 123
S
t
Beat
e
p
Lady
1 1
Position
Foot
Body
LF back
Slt cbm
2
2
RF side
& slt
back
Sway L
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Alignment
Com
backing
DC
End
Backing
LOD
International Standard
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
*
TH
Rise
E/o 1
*
T
Up
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Description
* turn 1/8 R through
1&3
77
Gentleman
Viennese Waltz
Reverse Turn / Left Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Foot
Body
LF fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
Com L
HT
Rise
e/o 1
2
RF side
& slt
back
Sway L
Backing
Wall
¼ L bet
1&2
T
Up
3
3
LF cross
in front of
RF
Sway L
Backing
LOD
¼ L bet
2&3
TH
4
2
RF Back
& slt R
CBM
Backing
LOD
Com L
TH
Pointing
bet DW &
LOD
Facing
LOD
2
5
2
LF side
Sway
R
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
78
Slt more
than 3/8 L
bet 4&5
BTL
Slt less
than 1/8 L
bet 5&6,
BCT
Description
Up,
L e/o
3
Rise
e/o 4
(NFR)
T
Body
rise
BTL=Body Turns
Less
Flat
Body
Rise,
L e/o 6
BCT= Body
Completes Turn
International Standard
Viennese Waltz
Lady
Reverse Turn / Left Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
Position
t
Beat
e
Foot
Body
p
Lady
RF Back CBM
1
1
2
LF Side
Sway
R
3
3
RF
closes
to LF
Sway
R
4
2
LF Fwd
CBM
5
2
RF side
6
3
LF
close to
RF
2
Alignment
Turn
Backing
LOD
Com turn
L
Slt more
than 3/8
bet 1&2,
BTL
Slt less
than 1/8
bet 2&3,
BCT
Point
bet DW
& LOD
Facing
LOD
Foot Rise
work & Fall
Description
TH
R e/o
1 NFR
NFR=No Foot
Rise
T
Body
Rise
Flat
Body
R on3,
L e/o 3
Com L
HT
R e/o
4
Sway
L
Facing
LOD
Backing
Wall
1/4 bet
4&5
T
Up
Sway
L
Backing
LOD
¼ bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
International Standard
79
Gentleman
Viennese Waltz
Natural Turn / Right Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
t
Beat
e
p
Man
1 1
Position
Alignment
Turn
Foot
Body
RF FWD
CBM
Down
LOD
1/8 R
before 1
Sway
R
Sway
R
Backing
Center
Backing
DC
¼ R bet
1&2
1/8 R bet
2&3
CBM
Backing
LOD
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
Rise
e/o 1
T
Up
TH
Up, L
e/o 3
1/8 R bet
3&4
TH
NFR
e/o 4
2
2
LF Side
3
3
4
2
RF close
to LF
LF back
and Slt
side
5
2
RF Side
Sway L
Pointing
DC
3/8 R bet
4&5 BTL
T
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
DC
BCT
Flat
80
Description
Com Facing DC
Body
Rise
Body
Rise,
L e/o 6
International Standard
Viennese Waltz
Lady
Natural Turn / Right Turn
Rhythm: 123223
S
Position
t
Beat
e
Foot
Body
p
LF Back
Lady
CBM
& slt
1
1
side
Sway
2 2
RF side
L
LF
Sway
3 3
Close
L
to RF
Alignment
Turn
Backing
LOD
1/8 R
before 1
TH
Point
DC
3/8 R bet
1&2 BTL
T
Facing
DC
BCT
Flat
1/8 R
bet 3&4
¼ R bet
4&5
1/8 R
bet 5&6
4
2
RF fwd
CBM
5
2
LF side
Sway
R
Facing
LOD
Backing
Center
6
3
RF
close to
LF
Sway
R
Backing
DC
International Standard
Foot Rise
work & Fall
HT
NFR
e/o 1
Description
Com Backing DC
Body
Rise
Body
Rise,
L e/o 3
Rise
e/o 4
T
Up
TH
Up, L
e/o 6
81
Ballroom Dancing
For Beginners
Volume: 1
WALTZ- TANGO- FOXTROT-QUICKSTEP-VIENNESE WALTZ
This book will serve as an excellent introductory reference to the practice of ballroom
dancing. Many excellent and more comprehensive books have been written on the
subject, and the enthusiastic student is encouraged to seek them out.