VOLUME: 2
American Style Smooth Ballroom Dancing
WALTZ-FOXTROT-TANGO-VIENNESE WALTZ
Technical descriptions of popular introductory figures, WITH FOOT DIAGRAMS
This book will not teach you how to dance. It is the hope of the author that
this book will be a beneficial reference to those engaged in learning
ballroom dancing as part of an organized class series.
Dancers Notes
2001,2002
Kevin Buell
Revision
Mar 2 2002
2
American Smooth
Preface
This book was written to serve as an introductory refe rence manual for a beginner
student of ballroom dancing. More specifically, this book is written to be used as the
guidebook for collegiate ballroom dance teams training first semester students.
It is my hope that by providing high quality Ballroom Dancing guides to collegiate
ballroom dance teams that these teams may grow and further promote the development of
ballroom dance on college campuses.
Volume 1 introduces International Style Standard Ballroom Dancing.
Volume 2 (this volume) introduces American Style Smooth Ballroom Dancing.
In future volumes I will release similar guides for International Latin, American
Rhythm, and Nightclub dancing, as well as more advanced texts which will eventually
include silver level syllabus.
Why write this book, or where to go from here?
There are other, more complete, dancing manuals commercially available and I
encourage the serious student of dance to purchase copies relevant to their interests. A
reasonable question then would be why did I dedicate hundreds of hours towards
developing a new dance manual series? In short, this is a project to promote collegiate
ballroom dance by making dance manuals freely available, something that commercial
manuals do not do.
Note to dance instructors:
We have found that a successful class format is to teach 1 hour classes once a week,
with 2 hours of coaching/supervised practice available between each lesson class. By
covering each dance for 3 weeks (3 hours total) approximately 6 figures can be taught per
dance (Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango- Viennese Waltz is more difficult) and a highly
successful training program may be had.
Why these figures?
Of the many figures commonly danced in Bronze level American Smooth these figures
were chosen as solid foundation figures which are learnable by beginners and generally
are well received in competitions. It is with some regret that many simple and fun social
figures had to be excluded because they are not the most direct path towards successful
competition danc ing.
American Smooth
3
Introduction
What is American Smooth?
The short of it is that American Smooth is the American style of Ballroom dancing. It
is also the most beautiful, graceful, and elegant form of ballroom dancing that there is.
In the world there are two ‘styles’ of ballroom dancing. American Style, practiced in
the US almost exclusively, and the British Style. The British Style was exported around
the world and became known as the ‘International’ style. There are many similarities,
and several differences between American Smooth and International Standard ballroom
dancing.
It would also be safe to say that International Style is a ‘subset’ of American Style
when it comes to ballroom dancing. International style proponents would say that is
represents the ‘best’ of what ballroom can be, and they do have a point that International
style has done a wonderful job at perfecting and refining what they do. But, American
style does so much more. American style offers the dancers the ability to break away
from the well-refined and comfortable ‘closed position’.
In general it is fair to say that the ballroom dancing technique of American Style and
International style (which is essentially ‘British Style’) are identical. Tango is a bit of an
exception, but in Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz the American style and
International style have identical technique at the silver level and above. In the beginning
levels, ‘watered down’ versions of both American style and International style are taught
and technique comparisons are difficult to make since the true technique of the styles is
not taught.
Personally, I have no desire to see ballroom become the disconnected side-by-side
‘dancing for the judges’ we currently see in Latin. At the foundation of ballroom dancing
and indeed all social partner dancing must be the leading and following for which
ballroom dancing has. Latin dancing, at least in its current competitive form, sadly does
not. While International Standard may be considered the pinnacle of the lead/follow
principles through its rigid enforcement of closed dance position, American style offers
the ability to lead, follow, and dance a gently graceful and elegantly flowing underarm
turn in my left turn in waltz which is a great feeling for both the man and the lady. Any
dance style that prohibits this (International style) is missing out on something wonderful
that ballroom has to offer.
4
American Smooth
How to Read This Book
This book is written largely in ‘chart’ format, and a pre-existing understanding of the
terms and descriptions used is necessary to maximize the benefit of this book.
Abbreviations Used in this Text
Rhythm
S=Slow, 2 beats of music.
Q=Quick, 1 beat of music
Foot Position
RF= Right Foot
LF= Left Foot
SLT=slight(ly)
TTI= Toe Turned In
TTO= Toe Turned Out
Body Position
SLT=slight
CBM=Contra-Body Motion
CBMP= Contra-Body
Motion Position
R=Right
L=Left
Alignment
LOD= Line of Dance
DC= Diagonal Center
DW=Diagonal Wall
P= (foot) Pointing
A-LOD= Against LOD
Foot-Work
T=Toe
H=Heel
B=Ball of foot
HT= Heel, then Toe
TH= Toe, then Heel
F= foot (flat foot)
LF= Left Foot
RF= Right Foot
W= whole (foot)
IE= Inside Edge
Turn
Com= Commence
E/O= (at) end of
Cont= Continue
R=Right
L=Left
BTL= Body Turns Less
BCT= Body Completes Turn
Bet= Between
RISE & FALL
Com= Commence
E/O= (at) end of
Cont= Continue
NFR= No-foot rise (Body
Rise with heel on the
ground)
R= Rise
L= Lower
Dance Positions
PP= Promenade Position
Prom Pos= Promenade
Position
OP= Outside Partner
PO= Partner Outside
ROP= Right Outside Partner
LOP= Left Outside Partner
SxS= Side-By-Side Position
American Smooth
5
Alignments and the Line Of Dance (LOD)
Figure 1:Line of Dance
Figure 2: Alignments
Figure 1 shows a typical ballroom dance floor. The ‘Line of Dance’ is the direction of travel
around the room while dancing. When viewed from above the line-of dance appears as a counter-
clockwise pattern.
Figure 2 indicates the alignments used to describe the directions in which steps are taken.
On dance frame and hold:
(Pictures)
On Foot Diagrams: While many other fine ballroom dance guides are commercially available, one
feature which almost all these guides lack is the inclusion of diagrams indicating the placements of the
feet. By including foot diagrams, it is hoped that the less experienced students who do not understand
the tabular figure information will find this guide most helpful. Foot diagrams are placed on a grid
where each square represents a 2’x2’ distance. The mens feet represent a length of 12 inches, and the
ladies feet are slightly smaller.
Pivoting: In some figures pivoting will occur. In this case the foot
diagrams indicate this with the use of ‘dashed’ foot-outlines. For
example, the first 3 steps for the mans left turn in Waltz are shown to
the right. The first and second steps indicate in darkened feet where
the step is originally taken. Once the weight transfers to that foot,
the foot pivots on the ball of the foot to its position shown with the
outlined foot symbol.
6
American Smooth
Waltz
Style: American Style
Category: Smooth Ballroom
Rhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on 1)
Tempo: 30-32 Bars per minute (Competition)
29-34 Bars per minute (Social)
Phrasing:
8 Bar Phrasing most common (4 bar phrasing also possible)
The Waltz is the undisputed ‘Queen of the Ballroom’ and is the dance most people think of by name
first when they think of ‘ballroom dancing’.
Waltz originated in Bavarian Europe in a form closest to what we now call ‘Viennese Waltz’. The
modern ‘Slow Waltz’ described here was developed in the United States. Various permutations on the
waltz were developed in the United States at the time including ‘Hesitation Waltz’ (where one step was
taken per bar), ‘Canter Waltz’(with two steps per bar) and ‘The Boston’ (one step per beat, at a slow
tempo) . The Boston was characterized by its slow tempo, long flowing steps, and the use of the
closed dance position eventually became the Slow Waltz that it is today.
This ‘Slow Waltz’ was then re-exported to Europe where it was a huge hit, especially in Britain.
Although it may seem strange today, in the beginning the Waltz experienced significant opposition
from those who considered the dance scandalous and improper. The idea of a man holding a woman
who was not his wife hip-to-hip and cavorting about the room seemed somehow improper.
A strong foundation in Waltz is the basis of understanding Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz. In fact,
many figures are shared between Waltz, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. When figures are shared in
common with other dances the thing that distinguishes Waltz from these other dances is its character.
My favorite description of the character of waltz is that Waltz should feel like ‘Being in Love,
Forever’.
Waltz
American Smooth
7
Table of Contents
Left Closed Change .................................................................................................................................. 8
Right Closed Change .............................................................................................................................. 10
Left Turn................................................................................................................................................. 12
Right Turn............................................................................................................................................... 14
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending .................................................................................................. 16
Box w/ Underarm Turn Right ................................................................................................................. 18
Progressive Twinkles .............................................................................................................................. 20
Open Break & Ladies Underarm Turn Right ......................................................................................... 22
Butterflies ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Left Turn w/ Ladies Left Underarm Turn............................................................................................... 26
Amalgamations
Waltz
8
American Smooth
Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Slight
CBM
Closed
Facing
DW
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
RF Side
& slightly
Fwd
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DW
*
T
Cont R
* up to 1/8 turn left can
be taken
3
3
LF
Closes to
RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DW
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Waltz
American Smooth
9
Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Back
Slight
CBM
Closed
Backing
DW
HT
Com
NFR
e/o 1
2
2
LF Side
& slightly
Back
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DW
*
T
Cont R
* up to 1/8 turn left can
be taken
3
3
RF
Closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DW
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Waltz
10
American Smooth
Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Fwd
Slight
CBM
Closed
Facing
DC
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
LF Side
& slightly
Fwd
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DC
*
T
Cont R
* Up to 1/8 turn Right
can be taken
3
3
RF
Closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
R=Rise,
L=Lower
Waltz
American Smooth
11
Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Back
Slight
CBM
Closed
Backing
DC
TH
Com
NFR
e/o 1
2
2
RF Side
&slightly
Back
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DC
*
T
Cont R
* Up to 1/8 turn Right
can be taken
3
3
LF closes
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Waltz
12
American Smooth
Left Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
DC
Com
turning L
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
1/4 L Bet
1&2
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
1/8 L bet
2&3
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
Cont
turning L
TH
*
* Down on 4, Com to R
e/o 4- NFR
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
DW
3/8 L bet
4&5, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DW
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
Waltz
American Smooth
13
Left Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
DC
Com turn
L
TH
Com R
e/o 1 NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2
2
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
to LOD
3/8 L bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
3
3
RF
closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
4
2
LF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
LOD
Cont L
HT
*
*Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
Wall
1/4 L bet
4&5
T
Cont R
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
3/8 L Bet
5&6
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Waltz
14
American Smooth
Right Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
DW
Com
turning R
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
1/4 R Bet
1&2
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
1/8 R bet
2&3
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
Cont
turning R
TH
*
* Down on 4, Com to R
e/o 4- NFR
5
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Pointing
DC
3/8 R bet
4&5, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DC
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
Waltz
American Smooth
15
Right Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
DW
Com turn
R
TH
Com R
e/o 1 NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2
2
RF Side
Sway
L
Closed
Pointing
to LOD
3/8 R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
3
3
LF closes
to RF
Sway
L
Closed
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
4
2
RF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
LOD
Cont R
HT
*
*Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
Centre
1/4 R bet
4&5
T
Cont R
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
3/8 R Bet
5&6
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Waltz
16
American Smooth
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Slt CBM
Closed
Facing
DW
None
HT
Com R e/o
1
1-3 is twinkle
2
2
RF side
& slt fwd
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DW
Slt body
turn R
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Prom Pos= Promenade
Position
4
2
RF fwd &
across
CBM*&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW,
moving
along
LOD
-
HT
Com R
e/o 4
*CBM is slight
5
2
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DW
-
T
Cont R
4-6 is promenade ending
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway
R
Closed
Facing
DW
-
Th
Cont R,
L e/o 6
Waltz
American Smooth
17
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Back
-
Closed
Backing
DW
-
TH
Com R
e/o 1
1-3 is Twinkle
2
2
LF Diag
Back
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
DC
¼ R bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
Prom Pos= Promenade
Position
4
2
LF Fwd &
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC.
Moving
along
LOD
Com L
HT
Com R
3/o 4
4-6 is promenade ending
5
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
Wall
1/8 L bet
4&5
T
Cont R
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
1/8 L bet
5&6
Th
Cont R,
L eo 6
Waltz
18
American Smooth
Box w/ Underarm Turn Right
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF back
Facing
Backing
A-LOD
-
TH
Com R
e/o 4
Release R hand from
ladies back on 4
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Backing
A-LOD
-
T
Cont R
Raise Left hand on 5
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Backing
A-LOD
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
7
3
LF Fwd
Facing
LOD
Com L
HT
Com R e/o
7
8
2
RF side
Sway L
Facing
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
7&8
T
Cont R
9
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
Facing
Center
1/8 L bet
8&9
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 9
1
0
4
RF back
Closed
Backing
Wall
-
TH
Com R
e/o 10
Regain Closed position
during 10-12
1
1
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
Wall
-
T
Cont R
1
2
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
Wall
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 12
Waltz
American Smooth
19
Box w/ Underarm Turn Right
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF back
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Com NFR
2
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF Fwd
Facing
Facing
A-LOD
Com R
HT
Com R e/o
4
5
2
RF Fwd
CBM
Facing
Center
¼ R bet
4&5
T
Cont R
Do 3 right curving
forward walks 5-7, under
mans L arm.
6
3
LF Fwd
Facing
DC
1/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
7
3
RF Fwd
CBM
Facing
DW
¼ R bet
6&7
HT
Com R e/o
7
8
2
LF Side
Facing
Facing
Wall
1/8 R bet
7&8,BTL
T
Cont R
BTL= Body Turns Less
9
3
RF Close
to RF
Facing
Facing
Wall
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 9
BCT= Body completed
Turn
1
0
4
LF Fwd
Closed
Facing
Wall
-
HT
Com R e/o
10
Regain closed position
during 10-12
1
1
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Facing
Wall
-
T
Cont R
1
2
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
Wall
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 12
Waltz
20
American Smooth
Progressive Twinkles
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
DW
Com L
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
1/8 L bet
1&2
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DC
½ L bet
2&3, BTL
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF fwd,
ROP
CBM&
CBMP
Right
O/P
Facing
DC
Com R
HT
Com R
e/o 4
ROP= Right Outside
Partner
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
1/8 R bet
4&5
T
Cont R
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DW
1/8 R bet
5&6 BTL
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
7
3
LF fwd,
LOP
CBM&
CBMP
Left O/P
Facing
DW
Com L
HT
Com R
e/o 7
LOP= Left Outside
Partner
8
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
1/8 L bet
7&8
T
Cont R
9
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
8&9, BTL
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 9
1
0
4
RF fwd,
ROP
CBMP
Right
O/P
Facing
DC
-
HT
Com R
e/o 10
1
1
2
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DC
-
T
Cont R
1
2
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DC
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 12
Waltz
American Smooth
21
Progressive Twinkles
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF back
CBM
Closed
Backing
DW
Com L
TH
Com NFR
2
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
DW
A-LOD
¼ L bet
1&2,BTL
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF back
CBM&
CBMP
*
Backing
DC
Com R
TH
Com NFR
e/o 4
*Partner outside on
Right
5
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Pointing
DC,
A-LOD
¼ R bet
1&2,BTL
T
Cont R
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
7
3
RF back
CBM,&
CBMP
*
Backing
DW
Com L
TH
Com NFR
e/o 7
*Partner outside on
Left
8
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
DW,
A-LOD
¼ L bet
1&2,BTL
T
Cont R
9
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 9
1
0
4
LF back
CBMP
*
Backing
DC
TH
Com NFR
e/o 10
*Partner outside on
Right
1
1
2
RF side,
&slt back
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DC
T
Cont R
1
2
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DC
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 12
Waltz
22
American Smooth
Open Break & Ladies Underarm Turn Right
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
HT
Com R
e/o 1
2
2
RF side
& slt fwd
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
Slt=slight(ly)
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF side
& slt
back
Open
Facing
Facing
LOD
-
BHT
Com R
e/o 1
Remove Rt hand from
ladies left shoulder
5
2
LF back
Open
Facing
Facing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
6
3
RF in
place
Open
Facing
Facing
LOD
-
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
7
3
LF side
Open
Facing
Facing
LOD
-
BHT
Com R
e/o 7
Raise Left hand, lady
commences UAT to
ladies R
8
2
RF back
Open
Facing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
Cont ladies UAT Right
9
3
LF in
place
Open
Facing
LOD
-
TH
Up,
L e/o 9
Cont Ladies UAT Right,
slowly lower left arm as
ladies finished turn at e/o
9
1
0
4
RF side
& slt fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
BH
Down
Regain closed position
1
1
2
LF close
to RF
SLT back
(no
weight)
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
*
Slt body
rise
*RF: Whole F
LF: IE of B
1
2
3
Position
held
Sway L
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
-
Slt body
Rise,
Body L
e/o 12
Waltz
American Smooth
23
Open Break & Ladies Underarm Turn Right
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
3
23
4
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF back
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Com NFR
e/o 1
2
2
LF side &
slt back
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF side &
slt back
Open
Facing
Backing
LOD
-
BHT
Com R
e/o 4
Release Left hand from
mans right shoulder
5
2
RF back
Open
Facing
Backing
LOD
-
T
Cont R
6
3
LF in
place
Open
Facing
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
7
3
RF side
& slt fwd
Open
Facing
Facing
DC
A-LOD
1/8 R bet
6&7
BHT
Com R
e/o 7
Com Right UAT
8
2
LF fwd
Open
Facing
Center
1/8 R bet
7&8.
½ R on 8
T
Cont R
Cont Right UAT
9
3
Replace
weight
fwd on
RF
CBM
Open
Facing
wall
Cont R
TH
Up,
L e/o 9
Cont R UAT
1
0
4
LF side &
slt fwd
Closed
Backing
LOD
¼ R bet
9 &10
BH
Down
Regain closed position
1
1
2
RF close
to LF, slt
back , no
weight
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
IE of
B
Slt body
R
1
2
3
Position
help
Sway R
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
-
Body L
slt e/o 18
Waltz
24
American Smooth
Butterflies
Rhythm: 4
23
5
23
6
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
0
4
RF Fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
Com R
HT
Com R
e/o 10
Preceed with steps 1-9 of
Box w/ UAT
1
1
2
LF Fwd
Facing
LOD
¼ R bet
10&11
T
Cont R
1
2
3
RF close
to LF
Almost
Back-to-
Back
Facing
DW
1/8 R bet
11&12
TH
Up,
L e/o 12
Almost back-to-back
position
1
3
5
LF Fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
1/8 L bet
12&13
HT
Com R
e/o 13
1
4
2
RF side
Open
Facing
Facing
Center
¼ L bet
13&14
T
Cont R
1
5
3
LF close
to LF
Prom?
Facing
DC
A-LOD
1/8 L bet
14&15
TH
Up,
L e/o 15
Open facing Position
1
6
6
RF fwd &
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC
A-LOD
Com R
HT
Com R
e/o 16
1
7
2
LF side
Closed
Facing
Center
1/8 R bet
16&17
T
Cont R
1
8
3
RF close
to LF
Closed
Facing
Center
TH
Up,
L e/o 18
Waltz
American Smooth
25
Butterflies
Rhythm: 4
23
5
23
6
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
0
4
LF Fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
¼ L on 10
HT
Com R
e/o 10
Preceed with steps 1-9 of
Box w/ ladies UAT
1
1
2
RF Fwd
Facing
DC
Cont L
T
Cont R
1
2
3
LF close
to RF
Almost
Back-to-
Back
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
11&12
TH
Up,
L e/o 12
Almost back-to-back
position
1
3
5
RF fwd
CBM
Facing
LOD
1/8 R on
13
HT
Com R
e/o 13
1
4
2
LF side
Open
Facing
Facing
Wall
¼ R bet
13&14
T
Cont R
1
5
3
RF close
to LF
Prom
Pos?
Facing
DW
A-LOD
1/8 R bet
14&15
TH
Up,
L e/o 15
Open facing Position
1
6
6
LF fwd &
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW
A-LOD
Com L
HT
Com R e/o
16
1
7
2
RF side
Closed
Facing
Wall
1/8 L bet
16&17
T
Cont R
1
8
3
LF close
to RF
Closed
Backing
Center
TH
Up,
L e/o 18
Waltz
26
American Smooth
Left Turn w/ Ladies Left Underarm Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
DC
Com
turning L
HT
Com R e/o
1
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
1/4 L Bet
1&2
T
Cont R
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
1/8 L bet
2&3
TH
Cont R, L
e/o 3
4
2
RF Back
CBM
Open
Facing
Backing
LOD
Cont
turning L
TH
*
* Down on 4, Com to R
e/o 4- NFR
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Open
Pointing
DW
3/8 L bet
4&5, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Open
Facing
Facing
DW
BCT
TH
Cont R,
L e/o 6
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
Lead: On step 4 the man removes Right hand from the ladies back. The man raises his Left hand so
that the lady can dance an underarm turn to her left. This step is usually followed by a left closed
change, during which closed position is resumed.
Waltz
American Smooth
27
Left Turn w/ Ladies Left Underarm Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
DC
Com turn
L
TH
Com R
e/o 1 NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2
2
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
to LOD
3/8 L bet
1&2, BTL
T
Cont R
BTL=Body Turns Less
3
3
RF
closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
BCT
TH
Cont R, L
e/o 3
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
4
2
LF Fwd
CBM
Open
Facing
Facing
LOD
Cont L
HT
*
*Down on 4,
Com to R e/o 4
5
2
RF side
Open
Backing
DW,
end
facing
DW
3/8 L bet
4&5, then
½ L on 5
(Pivot )
T
Cont R
6
3
LF
Fwd,(RF
held back
in CBMP)
CBM
Open
Facing
Facing
DW,
end
Backing
DW
1/2 L on
6 (Pivot)
TH
Cont R, L
e/o 6
Follow: The man raises the ladies Right hand on 4 and the lady dances an underarm turn to her left
from 4-6. Closed position is resumed in first bar of the figure following this one.
28
American Smooth
Foxtrot
Style: American Style
Category: Smooth Ballroom
Rhythm: 4/4 time ‘SSQQ’ & ‘SQQ’ (Accent on 1 and 3, 1 stronger)
Tempo: 30-32 Bars per minute (Competition)
29-34 Bars per minute (Social)
The Foxtrot is by far the most common ballroom dance in the world. This is due
mostly to the extremely large number of popular and enjoyable songs which have been
written which are appropriate for dancing foxtrot. This dance originated in the United
States in 1913 when a Vaudeville stage performer named Harry Fox invented a ‘trot’ for
his act. Soon, it was being copied and taught in New York Dance studios, from which it
spread to the rest of the world.
The Foxtrot revolutionized ballroom dance and was also a huge leap forward for
ballroom dance technique, as it was the first dance to incorporate both Slow (two beat)
and quick (one beat) steps.
Competitive Foxtrot is considered by many to be the most challenging dance to
learn and the International Style Bronze syllabus only includes 8 Bronze level figures.
How then is this the most common ballroom dance?
In American Style ballroom dancing ‘social dance’ figures are included in the
Foxtrot Bronze Syllabus. As a result, a recent Arthur Murray syllabus lists !31! Bronze
level figures. While it is a general rule that American Style includes more figures than
International, the main difference is that in International style ‘Social dance’ Foxtrot
figures are called ‘Social Rhythm Dancing’ rather than ‘Foxtrot’ and are not included in
the international style bronze syllabus.
At levels beyond this ‘social dance’ level, the American and International style
techniques of Foxtrot becomes identical for the figures that they share in common.
Fred Astaire is most famous for his wonderful Foxtrot’s, and his movie
performances set the standard for what has since become the American Style Foxtrot.
Because of its American origins and Fred Astaire’s dance films, the American Style
Foxtrot has had a much greater impact on International Foxtrot than vice-versa.
Foxtrot
American Smooth
29
Forward Basic ......................................................................................................................................... 30
Promenade Basic .................................................................................................................................... 32
Promenade Basic W/ Underarm Turn..................................................................................................... 34
Basic Left Turn (Left Rock Turn) .......................................................................................................... 36
Quarter Turns - Closed Position ............................................................................................................. 38
Side Sway ............................................................................................................................................... 40
Twinkles Forward (progressive) ............................................................................................................. 42
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending .................................................................................................. 44
Grapevine................................................................................................................................................ 46
Useful Amalgamations
Foxtrot
30
American Smooth
Forward Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF Fwd
-
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
H
Down
2
3,4-
S
RF Fwd
-
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
HT
Com R
E/O 2
LF brushes RF on 4
3
5-Q
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
R=Rise,
L=Lower
4
6-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
BH
Down
Foxtrot
American Smooth
31
Forward Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF Back
-
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Down
2
3,4-
S
LF Back
-
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Com
NFR E/O
2
RF Brushes
LF on 4
3
5-Q
RF Side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
NFR=No Foot Rise
4
6-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
BH
Down
Foxtrot
32
American Smooth
Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF side &
Slightly
fwd
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
H
Down
Prom Pos=Promenade
Position
2
3,4-
S
RF fwd &
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
HT
Com R
E/O 2
Slight CBM on 2
3
5-Q
LF Side
and
Slightly
fwd
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
4
6-Q
RF
closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
DW
-
BH
Down
Foxtrot
American Smooth
33
Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF side
& slt fwd
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC,
Moving
LOD
-
H
Down
Prom Pos=Promenade
Position
2
3,4-
S
LF Fwd &
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC,
Moving
LOD
Com
Turn L on
2
HT
Com R
E/O 2
CBM on 2
3
5-Q
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
Wall
1/8 L bet
2&3
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
4
6-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DW
1/8 L bet
3&4
BH
Down
Foxtrot
34
American Smooth
Promenade Basic W/ Underarm Turn
Rhythm: SSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF side &
Slightly
fwd
Open
Pos
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
H
Down
Raise Left Arm
2
3,4-
S
RF fwd &
across
CBM*&
CBMP
Open
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
HT
Com R
E/O 2
Slight CBM on 2
3
5-Q
LF Side
and
Slightly
fwd
Open,
End in
Closed
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
Lowed L arm E/O 3
4
6-Q
RF
closes to
LF
Facing
DW
-
BH
Down
Foxtrot
American Smooth
35
Promenade Basic W/ Underarm Turn
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF Fwd
Open
Pos
Facing
Lod
1/8 R
H
Slt R
e/o 1
CBM, beginning
underarm turn
2
3,4-
S
LF Side
Open
Facing
Wall
¼ R bet
1&2
T
Up
3
5-Q
RF Side
Open,
End in
Closed
BW
½ R bet
2&3
TH
Up on 3,
L e/o 3
Resume closed
position
4
6-Q
LF close
to RF
Closed
BW
-
BH
Down
(Comments on Quick Turn variation)
Foxtrot
36
American Smooth
Basic Left Turn (Left Rock Turn)
Rhythm: SSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF Fwd,
then RF
brush to
LF
-
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
H
-
When
RF brushes, (beat 2)
the IE of ball or RF
touches floor
2
3,4-
S
RF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
Against
LOD
Com
turning L
TH
Com R
e/o 2
3
5-Q
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
new
LOD
1/4 L bet
2&3, BTL
T
Up
BTL= Body Turns Less
4
6-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
New
LOD
Body
Complete
Turn
TH
Lower
Foxtrot
American Smooth
37
Basic Left Turn (Left Rock Turn)
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF back,
then LF
brush to
RF
-
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
TH
Down
When
LF brushes, (beat 2)
the IE of ball or LF
touches floor
2
3,4-
S
LF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
A-LOD
Com L
HT
Com R
e/o 2
A-LOD= Against LOD
3
5-Q
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
2&3
T
Up
4
6-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
New
LOD
1/8 L bet
3&4
TH
Lower
Foxtrot
38
American Smooth
Quarter Turns - Closed Position
Rhythm: SSQQSSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF Fwd
-
Facing
DW
-
H
Down
2
3,4-
S
RF Fwd
CBM
??
Facing
DW
Com R
HT
Com slt
R E/O 2
LF brushes RF on 4
Slt R = Slight Rise
3
5-Q
LF Side
Sway R
Facing
W
1/8 R bet
2&3
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
R=Rise,
L=Lower
4
6-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Backing
DC
1/8 R bet
3&4
BH
Down
5
1,2-
S
LF Back
-
Backing
DC
-
TH
Down
6
3,4-
S
RF Back
CBM
Backing
DC
Com L
TH
Com slt
NFR E/O
6
RF brushes LF on 4
7
5-Q
LF Side
Sway R
>>
Pointing
DW
1/4 L bet
6&7 BTL
TH
Up on 7,
L E/O 7
NFR=No foot rise
8
6-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Facing
DW
BCT
BH
Down
BCT= Body completes
Turn
Foxtrot
American Smooth
39
Quarter Turns – Closed Position
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF Back
-
Backing
DW
-
TH
Down
2
3,4-
S
LF Back
CBM
??
Backing
DW
Com R
TH
Com slt
NFR E/O
2
RF brushes LF on 4
Slt R = Slight Rise
3
5-Q
RF Side
Sway L
Pointing
DC
1/4 R bet
2&3 BTL
TH
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
R=Rise,
L=Lower
4
6-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
DC
BCT
BH
Down
BCT= Body completes
Turn
5
1,2-
S
RF Fwd
-
Facing
DC
-
H
Down
6
3,4-
S
LF Fwd
CBM
Facing
DC
Com L
HT
Com slt
R E/O 6
LF brushes RF on 4
7
5-Q
RF Side
Sway L
?
Backing
W
1/8 L bet
6&7
TH
Up on 7,
L E/O 7
8
6-Q
LF Close
to RF
Sway L
Backing
DW
1/8 L bet
7&8
BH
Down
Foxtrot
40
American Smooth
Side Sway
Rhythm: SSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF side-1
RF brush
to LF-2
Sway R
??
Any
None
TH
Down
2
3,4-
S
RF side,3
LF brush
to RF -4
Sway L
-
-
TH
Down
3
5-Q
LF Side
Sway R
-
-
T
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
4
6-Q
RF
closes to
LF
Sway R
??
-
-
TH
Down
Foxtrot
American Smooth
41
Side Sway
Rhythm: SSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF side,1
LF brush
to RF –2
Sway L
Any
None
TH
Down
2
3,4-
S
LF side,3
RF brush
to LF -4
Sway R
-
-
TH
Down
3
5-Q
RF Side
Sway L
-
-
T
Up on 3,
L E/O 3
4
6-Q
LF closes
to RF
Sway L
-
-
TH
Down
Foxtrot
42
American Smooth
Twinkles Forward (progressive)
Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF Fwd
CBM
Facing
DW
Com L
HT
R e/o 1
2
3-Q
RF side
Sway L
Facing
LOD
1/8 L bet
1&2
T
Up
3
4-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
2&3
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
4
5,6-
S
RF Fwd
O/P
CBM&C
BMP
Facing
DC
Com R
HT
R e/o 4
Right outside partner
5
7-Q
LF side
Sway R
Facing
LOD
1/8 R bet
4&5
T
Up
6
8-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Facing
DW
1/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
7
9,10
-S
LF Fwd
O/P
CBM&C
BMP
Facing
DW
Com L
HT
R e/o 7
Left Outside partner
8
11-
Q
RF side
Sway L
Facing
LOD
1/8 L bet
7&8
T
Up
9
12-
Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
9&10,
BTL
TH
Up,
L e/o 9
1
0
13,1
4-S
RF Fwd
O/P
CBMP
Facing
DC
BCT
HT
R e/o 10
Right outside partner
1
1
15-
Q
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway R
Facing
DC
-
T
Up
1
2
16-
Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Facing
DC
-
TH
Up, L e/o
12
Foxtrot
American Smooth
43
Twinkles Forward (progressive)
Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF Back
CBM
Backing
DW
Com L
TH
NFR e/o
1
2
3-Q
LF side
Sway R
Point DW
against
LOD
¼ L bet
1&2
T
Up
3
4-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Backing
DC
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
4
5,6-
S
LF back
CBM&
CBMP
Backing
DC
Com R
TH
NFR e/o
4
Partner outside on
Right
5
7-Q
RF side
Sway L
Point DC
against
LOD
¼ R bet
4&5
T
Up
6
8-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Backing
DW
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
7
9,10
-S
RF back
CBM &
CBMP
Backing
DW
Com L
TH
NFR e/o
7
Partner outside on Left
8
11-
Q
LF side
Sway R
Point DW
against
LOD
¼ L bet
7&8,
BTL
T
Up
9
12-
Q
RF Close
to LF
Sway R
Backing
DC
BCT
TH
Up,
L e/o 9
1
0
13,1
4-S
LF Back
CBMP
Backing
DC
TH
NFR e/o
10
Partner Outside on
Right
1
1
15-
Q
RF side
& slt
back
Sway L
Backing
DC
T
Up
1
2
16-
Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Backing
DC
TH
Up, L e/o
12
Foxtrot
44
American Smooth
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending
Rhythm:SQQ,SQQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF Fwd
Slt CBM
Facing
DW
None
HT
Rise e/o
1
1-3 is twinkle
2
3-Q
RF side
& slt fwd
Sway L
Facing
DW
SLT body
turn R
T
Up
3
4-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW
None
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 3
4
5,6-
S
RF fwd
and
across
PP,
CBM&C
BMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
HT
Rise
CBM is slight
5
7-Q
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway R
Facing
DW
-
T
Up
4-6 is promenade
ending
6
8-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Facing
DW
-
TH
Up,
Lower
e/o 6
Foxtrot
American Smooth
45
Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending
Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
RF Back
-
Backing
DW
-
TH
R e/o 1,
NFR
1-3 is Twinkle
2
3-Q
LF diag
Back
Sway R
Pointing
DC
¼ R bet
1&2,
BTL
T
Up
3
4-Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC
BCT
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
4
5,6-
S
LF fwd &
across
CBM&C
BMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC,
moving
along
LOD
Com L
HT
Rise e/o
4
4-6 is promenade
ending
5
7-Q
RF side
Sway L
Backing
Wall
1/8 L
bet 4&5
T
Up
6
8-Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Backing
DW
1/8 L
bet 5&6
TH
Up, L e/o
6
Foxtrot
46
American Smooth
Grapevine
Rhythm:SQQ,QQS,QQ
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
LF diag
Fwd
L side
leading
Facing
DW
H
2
3-Q
RF Fwd,
Right
Outside
Partner
CBM&
CBMP
Facing
DW
HT
3
4-Q
LF side &
slt back
Backing
DC
¼ R bet
2&3
T
4
5-Q
RF Back
CBM&
CBMP
Backing
DC
T
Partner outside on Left
5
6-Q
LF Side,
TTO
Pointing
DW
¼ L bet
4&5
TH
TTO=Toe Turned Out
6
7,8-
S
RF Fwd,
Right
Outside
Partner
CBM&
CBMP
Facing
DW
HT
7
9-Q
LF Side
Sway R
Facing
Wall
1/8 R bet
6&8
T
Chasse to closed
position
8
10-
Q
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Facing
Wall
TH
This is just one of many versions of the grapevine
Foxtrot
American Smooth
47
Grapevine
Rhythm:SQQ,QQS,QQ
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1,2-
S
Rf back
R side
leading
Backing
DW
TH
2
3-Q
LF Back
CBM&
CBMP
Backing
DW
T
Partner outside on R
3
4-Q
RF side
& slt fwd
Pointing
DC
¼ R bet
2&3
T
4
5-Q
LF Fwd,
Left
Outside
Partner
CBM&
CBMP
Facing
DC
T
5
6-Q
RF side
& slt
back
Backing
DW
¼ L bet
4&5
TH
6
7,8-
S
LF Back
CBM&
CBMP
Backing
DW
TH
Partner outside on R
7
9-Q
RF side,
TTO
Sway L
Pointing
Center
1/8 R
bet 6&8
T
TTO=Toe Turned out
8
10-
Q
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Facing
Center
TH
7,8= Chasse to closed
position
48
American Smooth
Tango
Style: American Style
Category: Smooth Ballroom
Rhythm: 4/4 time (Beats of Equal Intensity) (Rarely 2/4 Time)
Tempo:
American
Competition 30-32
Bars per minute
Social
28-34
Bars per minute
The tango is the ballroom dance where the character varies most between the
American and International styles. In the International style, the character of tango is
best described as fierce and aggressively powerful. The American style is much more
open to interpretation, allowing characters which range from sensual, to fierce, to sad.
There is no Rise & Fall in Tango.
Phrasing:
Tango
American Smooth
49
Closed Basic ........................................................................................................................................... 50
Outside Basic .......................................................................................................................................... 52
Promenade Basic .................................................................................................................................... 54
Argentine Walks ..................................................................................................................................... 56
Tango Rocks ........................................................................................................................................... 58
Corte’ ...................................................................................................................................................... 60
Promenade Opening to Fan .................................................................................................................... 62
Left Turn................................................................................................................................................. 64
Left Turn w/ Outside Swivels ................................................................................................................. 66
Tango
50
American Smooth
Closed Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
H
2 3,4-S
RF Fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
H
3
5-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
4
6-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
LF close
to RF*
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
51
Closed Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
BH
2 3,4-S
LF back
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
BH
3
5-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
4
6-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
52
American Smooth
Outside Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF Fwd*
L Side
leading
Closed
Facing
LOD
-
H
Prepare to step Right outside
partner
2 3,4-S
RF Fwd
CBMP
ROP
Facing
LOD
-
H
ROP= Right outside Partner
3
5-Q
LF Fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
4
6-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
LF close
to RF*
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
53
Outside Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF back
R Side
leading
Closed
Backing
LOD
-
BH
2 3,4-S
LF back
CBMP
POR
Backing
LOD
-
BH
POR=Partner Outside on
Right
3
5-Q
RF back
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
4
6-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
54
American Smooth
Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF side
Prom
Pos
Facing:
DW
Moving:
LOD
-
H
2 3,4-S
RF Fwd
&
across
Slight
CBM &
CBMP
Com:PP
End:
Closed
Pointing
LOD*
1/8 L
(Strong
Body
Turn)
H
*Commence pointing LOD,
end facing LOD
3
5-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
Basic
4
6-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
LF close
to RF*
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
55
Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF side
Prom
Pos
Facing:
DC
Moving:
LOD
H
Prom Pos= Promenade
Position
2 3,4-S
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Com:PP
End:
Closed
3/8 L
(Swivel)
HBH
PP= Promenade Position
3
5-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
from basic
4
6-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
56
American Smooth
Argentine Walks
Rhythm: SSQQSSQQQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
Nil
H
2 3,4-S
RF fwd
R side
leading
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
3
5-Q
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
* a slight curve to left may
be takenon steps 3-5
4
6-Q
RF side
& slt
back
R side
leading
-
Facing
LOD
-
IE of foot
5 7,8-S
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
6
9,10-
S
RF fwd
R side
leading
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
7
11-Q
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
8
12-Q
RF side
& slt
back
-
Facing
LOD
-
IE of foot
9
13-Q
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
Basic
1
0
14-Q
RF side
-
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
1
1
15,16
-S
LF close
to RF
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
57
Argentine Walks
Rhythm: SSQQSSQQQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
Nil
BH
2 3,4-S
LF back
L side
leading
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
3
5-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
4
6-Q
LF side
& slt fwd
L side
leading
-
Backing
LOD
-
IE of BH
5 7,8-S
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
6
9,10-
S
LF back
L side
leading
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
7
11-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
8
12-Q
LF side
& slt fwd
-
Backing
LOD
-
IE of BH
9
13-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
from basic
1
0
14-Q
LF side
-
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
1
1
15,16
-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
58
American Smooth
Tango Rocks
Rhythm: SSQQSQQSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF fwd
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
Nil
H
2 3,4-S
RF fwd
R side
leading
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
3
5-Q
LF fwd
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
4
6-Q
Replace
weight
back on
RF
CBMP
-
Backing
A-LOD
-
B
5 7,8-S
LF fwd,
Small
step
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
6
9-Q
RF fwd
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
7
10-Q
Replace
weight
back on
LF
-
Backing
A-LOD
-
Inside Edge
of BH
8
11,12
-S
RF fwd,
small
step
-
Facing
LOD
-
H
9
13-Q
LF fwd
CBM&
CBMP
-
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
Basic
1
0
14-Q
RF side
-
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
1
1
15,16
-S
LF close
to RF
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
59
Tango Rocks
Rhythm: SSQQSQQSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF back
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
Nil
BH
2 3,4-S
LF back
L side
leading
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
3
5-Q
RF back
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
4
6-Q
Replace
weight
fwd on
LF
CBMP
-
Facing
A-LOD
-
H
5 7,8-S
RF
back,
small
step
Slt
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
6
9,10-
S
LF back
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
7
11-Q
Replace
weight
fwd on
RF
-
Facing
A-LOD
-
H
8
12-Q
LF back,
small
step
-
Backing
LOD
-
BH
9
13-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
-
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
from basic
1
0
14-Q
LF side
-
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
1
1
15,16
-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
60
American Smooth
Corte’
Rhythm: SSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF back
L side
leading
Backing
A-LOD
Slight
body turn
L
BH
Corte’
2 3,4-S
Replace
weight
fwd on
RF
Facing
LOD
-
H
3
5-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
H
Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
4
6-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
LF close
to RF*
Closed
Facing
DC
-
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
61
Corte’
Rhythm: SSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF Fwd
R side
leading
Facing
A-LOD
Slt body
turn L
H
Corte’
2 3,4-S
LF back
Backing
LOD
-
BH
3
5-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com L
BH
Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
from basic
4
6-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 L bet
3&4
IE of BH,
then Whole
foot
5 7,8-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
62
American Smooth
Promenade Opening to Fan
Rhythm: SSQQ&SSSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
LF side
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW,
Moving
along
LOD
-
H
Prom Pos= Promenade
Position
2 3,4-S
RF fwd
&
across
CBM&
CBMP
Com:PP
End:
L SxS
Facing
DW,
Moving
Along
LOD*
¼ R on 2
HBH
*End backing DC
Lower L hand at end of 2
3
5-Q
LF back
L SxS
Backing
LOD
1/8 R bet
2&3
BH
Release right hand
4
6-Q
RF side
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
Whole Foot
L SxS= L Side-by-Side
5
&
LF
brushes
to RF,
no
weight
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
IE of B
6 7,8-S
LF
points
side, no
weight
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
IE of B
7
9,10-
S
LF Fwd*
CBM&
CBMP
L SxS
End: PP
Facing
LOD,
END:
facing
DW
3/8 L
on 7
(Swivel)
LF: HBH
RF: IE of B
*RF points diagonally back,
no weight
8
11,12
-S
RF fwd
&
across
CBMP
PP
End:
Closed
Pointing
LOD
1/8 L
on 8
H
PP= Promenade Position
9
13-Q
LF fwd
Closed
Facing
LOD
H
Steps 9-11 is a ‘resolution’
called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
1
0
14-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
LOD
IE of BH
1
1
15,16
-S
LF close
to RF,
no
weight*
Closed
Facing
LOD
IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
63
Promenade Opening to Fan
Rhythm: SSQQ&SSSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1 1,2-S
RF side
Prom
Pos
Facing
DC,
Move:
along
LOD
H
Prom Pos=Promenade
Position
2 3,4-S
LF Fwd
&
across
CBM&
CBMP
Com:PP
End:
L SxS
Facing
DC,
Move:
along
LOD*
¼ L on 2
HBH
SxS=Side-by-Side
* End backing DW
3
5-Q
RF Back
L SxS
Backing
LOD
1/8 L bet
2&3
BH
4
6-Q
LF Side
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
Whole foot
5
&
RF
brush to
LF, no
weight
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
IE of B
6 7,8-S
RF
points to
side, no
weight
L SxS
Facing
A-LOD
IE of B
7
9,10-
S
RF fwd*
CBM&
CBMP
L SxS
End: PP
Facing
A-LOD,
End:
Facing
DC
3/8 R
on 7
(Swivel)
RF:HBH
LF:IE of B
* RF points diag back, no
weight
8
11,12
-S
LF fwd
&
Across
CBM&
CBMP
PP
End:
Closed
Facing
DC,
End:
Backing
LOD
HBH
PP=Promenade Position
9
13-Q
RF back
Closed
Backing
LOD
BH
Steps 9-11 is ‘Tango-close’
from basic
1
0
14-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
LOD
IE of BH
1
1
15,16
-S
RF
close to
LF, no
weight*
Closed
Backing
LOD
IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
Tango
64
American Smooth
Left Turn
Rhythm: QQSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1
1-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
DC
Com L
H
2
2-Q
RF side
BDW
¼ L bet
1&2
BH
3 3,4-S
LF back
CBMP
Partner
Outside
on Right
(POR)
Backing
Down
LOD
1/8 L bet
2&3
BH
4
5-Q
RF back
CBM
Down
LOD
Com L
BH
5
6-Q
LF side
& slt
Fwd
Pointing
DW
3/8 L bet
4&5,
BTL
IE of foot
Body Facing Wall, Left toe
facing slightly leftwards
6 7,8-S
RF
close to
LF, slt
back
Facing
DW
BCT
Whole foot
Tango
American Smooth
65
Left Turn
Rhythm: QQSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1
1-Q
RF Back
CBM&
CBMP
Backing
DC
Com L
BH
2
2-Q
LF side
& slt fwd
Pointing
LOD
3/8 L bet
1&2, BTL
Whole Foot
1-3 Turn L to Face LOD. LF
pointing down LOD,
Releasing R heel
3 3,4-S
RF fwd
CBMP
Right
Outside
Partner
Facing
Down
LOD
BCT
H
4
5-Q
LF fwd
CBM
Facing
Down
LOD
Com L
H
5
6-Q
RF side
& slt
back
Backing
DW
¼ L bet
4&5
IE of BH
6 7,8-S
LF close
to RF,
slt fwd
Backing
DW
1/8L bet
5&6
Whole Foot
Tango
66
American Smooth
Left Turn w/ Outside Swivels
Rhythm: QQSSQQSSQQS
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1
1-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
DC
Com L
H
2
2-Q
RF back
& slt
side
Closed
Backing
LOD
3/8 L bet
1&2
BH
3 3,4-S
LF back
CBM&
CBMP
Partner
Outside
on Right
Backing
LOD
-
BH
4 5,6-S
Replace
weight
FWD on
RF
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
A-LOD
Body
turns
slt L
H
5
6-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
A-LOD
Com L
H
6
7-Q
RF back
& slt
side
Closed
Backing
DC
A-LOD
3/8 L bet
5&6
BH
7 8,9-S
LF back
CBM&
CBMP
Partner
Outside
on Right
Backing
DC
A-LOD
BH
8
10,11
-S
Replace
weight
FWD on
LF
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW
Body
turns
slt L
H
9
12-Q
LF Fwd
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Facing
DW
Com L
H
‘TANGO-CLOSE’
1
0
13-Q
RF side
Closed
Facing
DC
1/4 L bet
5&6
IE of R, then
whole foot
1
1
14,15
-S
LF close
to RF*
Closed
Facing
DC
LF:IE of B
* LF almost closes to RF,
without weight.
Tango
American Smooth
67
Left Turn w/ Outside Swivels
Rhythm: QQSSQQSSQQS
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
Ment
Turn
Foot-Work
Description
1
1-Q
RF Back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
DC
Com L
BH
2
2-Q
LF side
& slt fwd
Closed
Pointing
LOD
3/8L bet
1&2, BTL
Whole Foot
3 3,4-S
RF fwd*
CBM&
CBMP
Right
Outside
Partner,
End: PP
Facing
LOD,
End:
Facing
DW
A-LOD
3/8 R
on 3
(Swivel)
HB
*RF is FWD ROP, then a
swivel is performed on the
ball or the RF and LF is
closed to RF without weight,
ending in Promenade
Position
4 5,6-S
LF fwd
&
across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
DW
A-LOD
End:
Backing
A-LOD
3/8 L
on 4
(Swivel)
HB
5
6-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
A-LOD
Com L
BH
6
7-Q
LF side
& slt fwd
Closed
Pointing
DC
A-LOD
3/8 L bet
5&6, BTL
Whole Foot
7 8,9-S
RF fwd*
CBM&
CBMP
Right
Outside
Partner,
End:PP
Facing
DC
A-LOD,
End:
Facing
LOD
3/8 R
on 7
(Swivel)
HB
*RF is FWD ROP, then a
swivel is performed on the
ball or the RF and LF is
closed to RF without weight,
ending in Promenade
Position
8
10,11
-S
LF fwd
&
Across
CBM&
CBMP
Prom
Pos
Facing
LOD,
End:
Backing
DW
3/8 L
on 8
(Swivel)
HB
9
12-Q
RF back
CBM&
CBMP
Closed
Backing
DW
Com L
BH
‘TANGO-CLOSE’
1
0
13-Q
LF side
Closed
Backing
DC
¼ L bet
9&10
IE of BH,
then WF
1
1
14,15
-S
RF
close to
LF*
Closed
Backing
DC
LF:IE of B
* RF almost closes to LF,
without weight.
68
American Smooth
Viennese Waltz
Style: American Style
Category: Smooth Ballroom
Rhythm: 3/4 time (Accent on 1)
Tempo:
American
Competition 54
Bars per minute
Social
52-58
Bars per minute
These ‘preferred’ tempos not withstanding, the basic figures may be danced to any
waltz played between 44 and 64 bars per minute.
The Viennese Waltz is the classic waltz, more often featured in films than the more
modern ‘slow Waltz’. This dance is a quick rotating dance with a subtle rise and fall. It
is considered a very difficult dance to do properly, even in its simplest forms.
Viennese Waltz is included here for completeness but it is not recommended that
Viennese Waltz be taught to beginners on a competition team, preferring that they
develop proficiency in the other dances first.
Alignments: The Viennese Waltz is a fast-rotating dance, and therefore some of the
alignments given are slightly confusing. In the Viennese Waltz a figure may begin with
a certain alignment, then rotate 1/8’th of a turn before the first step touches the floor.
The alignments listed are the alignments for the feet when they first touch the
floor.
Phrasing: 8-bar phrases, so try to do 8 bars of each type of figure. Ie do 4 left turns,
a left foot forward closed-change, 3 right turns, then a right foot forward closed-change.
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
69
Left Closed Change ................................................................................................................................ 70
Right Closed Change .............................................................................................................................. 72
Left Turn................................................................................................................................................. 74
Right Turn............................................................................................................................................... 76
Backward Left Closed Change ............................................................................................................... 78
Backward Right Closed Change ............................................................................................................. 80
Useful Amalgamations
[1]
4 Left Turns (8 bars)
1 Left Closed Change
3 Right Turns (6 Bars)
1 Right Closed Change
<Repeat>
[2]
4 Rightl Turns (8 Bars)
1 Right Closed Change
3 Left Turns (6 Bars)
1 Left Closed Change
<Repeat>
[3]
1-3 of Left Turn
1 Back L Closed Change
4-6 of Right Turn
1 R closed Change
[4]
1-3 of Right Turn
1 Back R closed change
4-6 of Left Turn
1 L closed Change
To Turn At Corner,
Underturned Right Turn -or-
Overturned Left Turn
Viennese Waltz
70
American Smooth
Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
facing
LOD
*
HT
Rise e/o
1
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
3
2
2
RF side
& slt fwd
Sway L
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
End
Facing
DC
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
71
Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF back
Slt cbm
Closed
Com
backing
LOD
*
TH
Rise e/o
1
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
3
2
2
LF side &
slt back
Sway R
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
End
Backing
DC
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
72
American Smooth
Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Fwd
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
facing
DC
*
HT
Rise e/o
1
* turn 1/8 R through 1
& 3
2
2
LF side &
slt fwd
Sway R
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
End
Facing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
73
Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF back
Slt cbm
Closed
Com
backing
DC
*
TH
Rise e/o
1
* turn 1/8 R through 1
& 3
2
2
RF side
& slt
back
Sway L
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
End
Backing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
74
American Smooth
Left Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
HT
Rise e/o 1
2
2
RF side
& slt
back
Sway L
Closed
Backing
Wall
¼ L bet
1&2
T
Up
3
3
LF cross
in front of
RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
¼ L bet
2&3
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF Back
& slt R
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com L
TH
Rise e/o 4
(NFR)
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Pointing
bet DW
& LOD
Slt more
than 3/8
L bet 4&5
BTL
T
Body rise
BTL=Body Turns Less
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
Slt less
than 1/8
L bet
5&6,
BCT
Flat
Body
Rise, L
e/o 6
BCT= Body Completes
Turn
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
75
Left Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Back
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
Com turn
L
TH
R e/o 1
NFR
NFR=No Foot Rise
2
2
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Point
bet DW
& LOD
Slt more
than 3/8
bet 1&2,
BTL
T
Body Rise
3
3
RF
closes to
LF
Sway R
Closed
Facing
LOD
Slt less
than 1/8
bet 2&3,
BCT
Flat
Body R
on3,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
LOD
Com L
HT
R e/o 4
5
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Backing
Wall
1/4 bet
4&5
T
Up
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Backing
LOD
¼ bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
Viennese Waltz
76
American Smooth
Right Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Fwd
CBM
Closed
Down
LOD
1/8 R
before 1
HT
Rise e/o 1
Com Facing DC
2
2
LF Side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
Center
¼ R bet
1&2
T
Up
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 R bet
2&3
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
4
2
LF back
and Slt
side
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
1/8 R bet
3&4
TH
NFR e/o 4
5
2
RF Side
Sway L
Closed
Pointing
DC
3/8 R bet
4&5 BTL
T
Body Rise
6
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DC
BCT
Flat
Body
Rise,
L e/o 6
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
77
Right Turn
Rhythm: 1
23
2
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Back
& slt side
CBM
Closed
Backing
LOD
1/8 R
before 1
TH
NFR e/o 1
Com Backing DC
2
2
RF side
Sway L
Closed
Point
DC
3/8 R bet
1&2 BTL
T
Body Rise
3
3
LF Close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
Facing
DC
BCT
Flat
Body
Rise,
L e/o 3
4
2
RF fwd
CBM
Closed
Facing
LOD
1/8 R bet
3&4
HT
Rise e/o 4
5
2
LF side
Sway R
Closed
Backing
Center
¼ R bet
4&5
T
Up
6
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
Backing
DC
1/8 R bet
5&6
TH
Up,
L e/o 6
Viennese Waltz
78
American Smooth
Backward Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF back
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
backing
DC
*
TH
NFR
e/o 1
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
3
2
2
RF side
& slt
back
R side
leading
Sway L
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
End
backing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
79
Backward Left Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF Fwd
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
Facing
DC
*
HT
R e/o 1
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
3
2
2
LF Side
& slt fwd
L Side
leading
Sway R
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
RF close
to LF
Sway R
Closed
End
Facing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
80
American Smooth
Backward Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Gentleman
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhythm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
RF back
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
backing
DW
*
TH
NFR
e/o 1
* turn 1/8 R through 1
& 3
2
2
LF side &
slt back
L side
leading
Sway R
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
RF close
to RF
Sway R
Closed
End
backing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Viennese Waltz
American Smooth
81
Backward Right Closed Change
Rhythm: 1
23
Lady
Position
S
t
e
p
Beat/
Rhyt
hm
Foot
Body
Dance
Align-
ment
Turn
Foot
Work
Rise
&
Fall
Description
1
1
LF Fwd
Slt CBM
Closed
Com
Facing
DW
*
HT
R e/o 1
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
3
2
2
RF Side
& slt fwd
L Side
leading
Sway L
Closed
*
T
Up
3
3
LF close
to RF
Sway L
Closed
End
Facing
LOD
*
TH
Up,
L e/o 3
Ballroom Dancing
For Beginners
Volume: 2
American Smooth
WALTZ - FOXTROT- TANGO-VIENNESE WALTZ
This book will serve as an excellent introductory reference to the practice of ballroom dancing. Many exc ellent and
more comprehensive books have been written on the subject, and the enthusiastic student is encouraged to seek them out.
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