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Figure Technique6 minutes

Slow Waltz: Closed Changes Between Turns

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In short
  • A closed change consists of a forward step, a side step, and closing the feet with a change of weight.
  • After a full right turn, the leader transitions into a left turn with a left-footed change.
  • After a full left turn, the leader transitions into a right turn with a right-footed change.
  • The follower starts backward with the opposite foot and also closes on the third beat.

In the middle of two familiar turns, the next step can suddenly feel impossible. Often, what’s missing isn’t a new turning technique, but simply the right free foot for the transition.

What you need for the exercise

  • Free space for small forward and side steps
  • Comfortable shoes that allow controlled gliding
  • A set allocation of lead and follow roles
  • Familiarity with a full right turn and left turn
  • A confident weight transfer from one foot to the other

The change prepares the other starting foot

Here, left-footed or right-footed refers to the first foot of the leading partner. In a left-footed change, they start by stepping forward on the left, and in a right-footed change, they start by stepping forward on the right. The following partner starts by stepping backward on the opposite foot. The names therefore apply to the figure danced together, not to the same starting foot for both partners.

Closed means that on the third step, the moving foot comes next to the standing foot and takes the weight. Simply tapping the foot would not prepare the next step. The foot that was previously bearing weight only becomes free when the weight is transferred. You dance one step per beat: one, two, three. In English step descriptions, the figure is called Closed Change.

To get started, practice the changes without adding a turn. Small adjustments in direction are part of leading and managing space later on, not a forced turn of the feet. The connections here specifically refer to complete, six-step basic turns, not to arbitrarily cut-off halves of turns or other exits.

The Waltz learning basics cover both Waltzes. For context on how they connect with other figures, see the overview in Figures and music in Slow Waltz. The task here remains simple: dance one change cleanly and continue with the correct foot.

Well-fitting shoes give you feedback when your foot slips inside the shoe instead of gliding across the floor.
Well-fitting shoes give you feedback when your foot slips inside the shoe instead of gliding across the floor.

Practice both transitions and link them appropriately

  1. Take the Starting Position

    Stand facing each other in a relaxed closed dance hold, slightly offset from one another rather than placing your toes directly opposite each other. For the first attempt, the leader has their weight on their right foot and the follower on their left, leaving their other feet free.

  2. Dance the left-foot change

    Leader: left foot forward on one, right foot to the side on two, close left foot to right on three. Follower: right foot back, left foot to the side, close right foot to left. Transfer your weight fully with each step. At the end, the leader's right foot and the follower's left foot are free.

  3. Dance the right-footed change

    From this position, the lead steps forward with the right foot, to the side with the left, and closes the right foot to the left. The follow steps back with the left foot, to the side with the right, and closes the left foot to the right. Count one, two, three again; after that, the lead has the left foot free.

  4. Test that your free foot is free

    After the second change, pause briefly and lift your free foot a few millimeters without shifting your upper body to the side. If both of you can do this, your weight is clearly on the finishing foot; otherwise, repeat the finish with a smaller side step.

  5. Switch from right to left

    Start a new pass with your familiar full right turn. After that, the leader's left foot is free: dance the left-footed change and start the left turn with the left foot forward. Next, begin the change backward with the right foot; afterward, the right foot is free for the left turn.

  6. Switch from left to right

    Then dance your full left turn. After that, the leader's right foot is free: add the right-footed change and begin the right turn with the right foot forward. Next, begin the change with the left foot back; afterward, the left foot is free for the backward start of the right turn.

  7. Dance the transition without pausing

    Choose one of the two transitions and dance it through to slow waltz music. Give the change a full measure, and start the next turn on the following one. It’s better to shorten your steps than to squeeze the foot closure hurriedly between two beats.

Small adjustments for a clear transition

This way

  • Keep the side step within your own balance
  • Stay relaxed in the dance hold during the transition
  • Place your foot down without an audible stomp
  • Move forward and backward together

Not like this

  • Reach so far to the side that your upper body tilts
  • Pull into the next turn early with your arms
  • Mark the beat by stomping heavily
  • Push your partner backward with your hands

Check off your practice session

Before the first run-through

Start

After the single changes

Check

After the connections

Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. No, a closed change consists of three steps, while a box step usually refers to a six-step box pattern. The movements can look similar, but they serve different purposes here. You don’t need an additional backward half before starting the next turn.

Ballroom classes for your Waltz figures

In the ballroom class, you practice the closed changes with a partner and get feedback on your weight transfers.

View all matching classes

Practice the connection together

On udansa, you can find dance partners to practice both changes and how they connect. Describe which role you dance and that you already know all the basic turns.

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Practice the connection together

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