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Ballroom dances3 minutes

Viennese Waltz natural turn: technique without losing balance

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • The axis of the couple must remain absolutely vertical and stable between the partners throughout the entire rotation.
  • The leader starts the right turn forward with the right foot, while the follower moves backward with the left foot.
  • The feet must close precisely in front of each other and must not drift away from each other uncontrollably during the rotation phases.
  • The gaze is always oriented over the partner's left shoulder to give the brain a fixed point of reference.

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Anyone who masters the natural turn in the Viennese Waltz seems to glide weightlessly across the dance floor. With the right technique and a stable axis, loss of balance and dizziness will be a thing of the past.

What you need for training

  • Shoes with a smooth sole (leather or suede)
  • A stable dance frame in the couple
  • Basic knowledge of the waltz rhythm and rise and fall

The physics of fast rotation on the dance floor

The Viennese Waltz fascinates with its rapid tempo and the seemingly endless flow of turns. However, it is precisely this speed that leads many couples to a quick loss of control, dizziness, or the feeling of being carried out of the curve. To fully enjoy the dynamics on the dance floor, a deep understanding of the physical processes involved in turning is essential. Anyone who understands the forces at play during a fast rotation can specifically counteract them.

A decisive factor is the exact adherence to the path of travel. In ballroom dancing, all couples move along a fixed circular track. If you want to understand and internalize the direction of dance in the hall, you will quickly realize that the natural turn requires precise coordination. While the gentleman takes over the forward action on the first part of the turn and must clear the path on the outside, the lady elegantly steps back and clears the space. In the second part, these roles are reversed. Only through this constant, harmonious interplay of leading and following does the couple's axis remain stable.

Step by step to the perfect right turn

  1. Stabilizing the dance frame

    Build a stable, yet flexible dance frame. The arms support each other without applying pressure, so that the common axis remains fixed in the center of the couple.

  2. Taking the first forward step

    The leader steps energetically forward with the right foot between the follower's feet, while the follower steps back with the left foot. Use this momentum for the first half turn.

  3. Executing the first turn

    Turn clockwise on the ball of your right foot. Your left foot joins the right smoothly while your weight is transferred in a controlled manner.

  4. Executing the counterpart

    Now the leader takes the backward step with the left foot, while the follower presses forward. Close your feet neatly at the end of the bar to ensure balance for the next round.

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How to master the right turn without the risk of falling

Correct

  • Move your upper body as a solid unit with your partner
  • Keep your steps small to control centrifugal force
  • Turn on the balls of your feet and use your heels in a controlled manner

Error

  • Moving your head uncontrollably around the room
  • Taking steps that are too large, causing you to lose your balance
  • Getting stuck on the flat of your foot and stopping abruptly

Your checklist for the perfect turn

Before you start

Preparation

In motion

Meanwhile

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Dizziness is caused by uncontrolled head movements. Fix your eyes on a point over your partner's shoulder and do not move your head independently from your upper body.

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