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Ballroom dances3 minutes

Slow Waltz left turn: step sequence in practice

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • The left turn in the Waltz consists of six steps, which are distributed over two measures of three beats and rotate the couple by a total of 270 degrees to the left.
  • The transition from the basic step occurs after half a basic step forward, so the leader initiates the turn with the left foot and the follower with the right foot.
  • The turn is initiated smoothly over the balls of the feet, while the shared dance frame remains stable and is not twisted in the upper body.
  • Clean footwork with controlled rising and lowering prevents a loss of balance at the end of the figure.

Part of a larger topic

How to achieve a harmonious transition in recreational dance

The transition from the classic basic step to the first real change of direction is a milestone for many couples in recreational dance. While the basic step primarily serves for orientation in space, the left turn brings dynamics and real flow into your Waltz. The key to success lies in not forcing the turn, but initiating it organically from the forward movement. Anyone who tries to jerk their upper body around will immediately lose their balance and cause the shared standard dance posture to wobble.

The challenge with the left turn is that the couple moves counter-clockwise, while the dance direction on the floor actually moves clockwise around the room. This means that the turn must be precisely dosed to avoid colliding with other couples. Clean footwork, where the feet glide flat past each other on the second beat and only close on three, ensures the necessary stability. If you can also secure the timing as a couple, the turn quickly loses its intimidation and feels wonderfully fluid.

The left turn in numbers

steps for a complete turn
6
Degree rotation counterclockwise
270°
beats per waltz bar
3

Six steps to the perfect left turn

  1. Lead with half a basic step

    The leader dances half a basic step forward (left, right, close feet), while the follower starts backwards. This creates the necessary forward energy for the following turn.

  2. Starting the first pivot step

    The leader takes a strong step forward with the left foot and already turns the body slightly to the left. The follower steps back with the right foot.

  3. Continuing the turn on two

    The leader guides the right foot in a wide arc to the side and continues turning on the ball of the foot. The follower closes the left foot and turns along on their heels.

  4. Controlled closing on three

    The gentleman's left foot closes to the right foot, and the couple lowers themselves in a controlled manner in the knees. This brings the first half of the left turn to a stable conclusion.

  5. Initiating the backward phase

    The leader steps the right foot straight back, while the follower pushes forward with the left foot. The rotation is now continued fluidly.

  6. Completing the turn on five

    The lead places the left foot far to the side, while the follow moves the right foot sideways. The turn now completes almost entirely parallel to the wall of the room.

  7. Landing safely on six

    The gentleman's right foot closes to the left foot, and both lower themselves again. The couple is now ready for the next basic step or another figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The left turn differs fundamentally in the direction of rotation and the starting foot. While the right turn is danced clockwise, the couple rotates counter-clockwise during the left turn, which requires more precise leading.

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