The Chassé in ballroom dancing: step sequence and foot technique

The chassé is one of the most versatile and at the same time most fundamental figures on the dance floor. The term comes from French and translates to something like chased. And that is exactly what describes the dynamics of this movement perfectly: one foot seems to incessantly chase the other in front of it. Anyone who masters the chassé step sequence in ballroom dancing cleanly holds the key to fluid transitions in many different dances.

We encounter the chassé particularly prominently when we dance the Quickstep or Waltz. While it provides snappy, fast-paced side steps in the Quickstep, it gives the Slow Waltz its typical, floating elegance. The structure of the steps always remains the same at its core: a step to the side or forward, drawing in and closing the other foot, followed by another step that opens the movement again. The art lies in dancing these three phases not in a choppy way, but as a single, harmonious unit.

Precise footwork is crucial for a clean ballroom chassé technique. Many beginners tend to simply slide their feet flat across the floor. However, anyone who wants to learn chassé steps must understand the subtle nuances of the roll. The first step usually starts on the ball of the foot and transitions smoothly to the flat foot. When closing the feet on the second step, you actively push yourself up onto the balls of both feet. The final third step opens the movement again and initiates the lowering through the heel.

This rhythmic interplay of rising and falling gives the chassé its unmistakable lightness. When you close your feet on the second step, they must be completely parallel for a tiny moment and carry the entire body weight before the next step begins. Only through this conscious, clean closing does the visual calm in the flow of movement emerge, which defines a harmonious ballroom dance. Absolutely avoid pulling the closing foot in half-heartedly or losing contact with the floor.

A common misconception with the chassé is the assumption that all steps must be of equal length. In practice, however, it becomes clear that a dynamic chassé thrives on conscious contrasts. The first step is usually the one that covers the most ground, as it provides the momentum for the entire figure. The second step, where the feet are closed, is purely technically a change of place on the spot and requires absolute precision in a very confined space. Only the third step opens the movement back up in a controlled manner in the new direction.

To optimally coordinate this dynamic as a couple, the only thing that helps is regular, joint practice. A cleanly executed chassé ensures that both partners can move synchronously across the dance floor without any effort. If you want to take your skills to the next level, it is worth, for example, switching from recreational sports to competitive sports, where the focus is even more intensely on such technical details. With every cleanly closed step, the blind trust within the couple grows.