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Figure Technique5 minutes

Slow Waltz: Whisk for Both Dance Roles

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • The forward-initiated whisk lasts one bar of 3/4 and ends with both partners in promenade position.
  • The leader dances left forward, right sideways and slightly forward, then left behind right.
  • The follower dances right backward, left sideways and slightly backward, then right behind left.
  • On the third beat, the crossed-behind feet take the weight; the follower opens to the right.

One foot can be behind the other and still be ready to move in the next direction. This unusual combination is exactly what makes the whisk tricky at first: the crossing shouldn't lock you in place.

What you need for your first try

  • A secure weight shift between both feet
  • A familiar count of one, two, three
  • A dance partner with a shared role
  • A smooth, clear floor without tripping hazards
  • Dance shoes with a gliding sole and a secure fit

Crossing behind leaves a shared direction open

The Whisk is called Whisk in English. Here you practise the basic version that starts forward, not the Back Whisk, which starts backward. “Starting forward” describes the leader’s role: the follower starts backward at the same time. Both dance three steps, but they do not move in the same direction.

The key difference from closing your feet is in the third step. The free foot crosses behind the standing foot and takes the weight. Crossing behind is a full step, not a tap behind the other leg. If your weight stays forward, you will not have a free foot for the next step. Keep the crossing step small enough that you can stand on it without pressing your knees together.

At the end, you form promenade position: your bodies make a slightly open V shape, with one open side shared between you. The follower stands to the leader’s right and turns to the right as the figure progresses. You are neither facing each other nor standing fully side by side with your upper bodies turned away from each other. Your connection as a couple stays intact.

You can find out where this figure fits in Figures and Music in Slow Waltz. For a comparison of the two waltzes, the Introduction to Learning the Waltz gives you a helpful overview.

A couple dances in a close embrace, Salsa, Tango, or Waltz.
An open space beside the feet makes it easier to step into the cross step without moving out of the way.

Practice the whisk in one measure

  1. Take the starting position

    Start in closed dance position. The lead stands on the right, with the left foot free; the follow stands on the left, with the right foot free. Leave enough space between your feet so your first step doesn't land on your partner's shoe.

  2. Step forward and backward on count one

    The lead steps forward with the left foot, and the follow steps backward with the right. Transfer your weight fully onto that foot and keep the step short at first. Together, you have covered some distance without one person pushing the other with their arms.

  3. Take the side step on two

    The leading role steps to the right, sideways and slightly forward, while the following role steps to the left, sideways and slightly backward. Transfer your weight onto these feet. The lateral distance is now wide enough for a small cross behind, but not so wide that you get pulled apart.

  4. Cross behind on three

    The lead crosses the left foot behind the right, and the follow crosses the right foot behind the left. Put your weight on the foot crossed behind each time. Keep your feet close together without hooking your legs around each other; the foot you were standing on becomes free.

  5. Establishing the promenade position

    Combine the back cross with the opening: The follower turns about a quarter turn to the right between counts two and three. The leader mostly stays facing the same direction and allows the opening without pulling on the arm. This is not an additional fourth step.

  6. Lower at the end of three

    Now practice with the rise typical of the waltz: Begin rising at the end of one and stay up through two and three. Lower in a controlled manner at the end of three. After that, continue to stand on the crossed foot: the leader has the right foot free, the follower the left.

  7. Repeat the figure for a full bar

    Consciously return to the starting position for each attempt, and dance all three steps without pausing. The run-through is successful if you end facing the same open direction and can move your free feet without putting weight on them. The chassé that follows remains a separate figure.

Four fixes for a clean finish

Like this

  • Place the crossing foot close behind your supporting foot
  • Transfer your weight onto the foot crossed behind
  • Guide the opening with your own body movement
  • Keep your free leg relaxed

Not like this

  • Slide the crossing foot far behind the other leg
  • Tap only with the toe behind the supporting foot
  • Lead the following roll at the arm into promenade
  • Press your knees against each other in the crossed stance

Mark your practice run as complete

Before the Beat

Start

After the first attempt

Control

After several bars

Reinforcement

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Yes, you can practise the foot sequence and weight changes on your own for either role. Say the foot names out loud and pause briefly after each step. The opening into promenade position requires a partner, because it is a shared position, not just a foot placement.

Standard dance classes to practice your Waltz figures

In a standard dance class, you can practice the Whisk with a dance partner under guidance.

View all suitable classes

Find the promenade together

On udansa, you can find dance partners for ballroom dancing to practice the brush in both roles. Arrange a short session to work on the step sequence, crossing behind, and your shared finish.

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Find the promenade together

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