learn2dance
New Member
Can your left leg only move forward or turn to the left?
Waltz Movement
- Thread starter learn2dance
- Start date
Your question is a little unclear, but interpreted literally as written the answer is "no." Either leg can step forward, backward, or sideways. Equally, you can turn either left or right from either leg.
For example, the first step of a Reverse Turn is left foot forward, with body movement preparing a turn to the left.
By contrast, the second step of a Natural Closed Change involves a left foot sidestep, with no turn.
Finally, the fourth step of a Natural Turn is left foot backward, with body movement preparing a turn to the right.
For example, the first step of a Reverse Turn is left foot forward, with body movement preparing a turn to the left.
By contrast, the second step of a Natural Closed Change involves a left foot sidestep, with no turn.
Finally, the fourth step of a Natural Turn is left foot backward, with body movement preparing a turn to the right.
learn2dance
New Member
Yep, you understood my question. I must have miss understood my instructor. Let me throw this at ya. I don't know if this will make sense.
I wish I could dance it out to show you
Do a normal box, then do 2 progressive steps, from there my left foot can only go forward or to the left.
Does that make sense?
I wish I could dance it out to show you
Do a normal box, then do 2 progressive steps, from there my left foot can only go forward or to the left.
Does that make sense?
learn2dance
New Member
oh, yeah. I am new to this forum, I totally put this in the wrong spot.
learn2dance
New Member
Also, I was under the impression that you can only turn counter clockwise in the waltz.
I see now. Your instructor is not wrong--they are just acting on two assumptions that you aren't yet familiar with.
-----------
One is the basic mechanical limitations of dancing with a partner. When making a forward step in closed position (which is the likeliest way to proceed, given the set of steps you describe), you cannot turn right on a left-foot lead, and you cannot turn left on a right-foot lead. The reason for this is pretty simple: your partner's leg is in the way!
Try turning right on a left-foot forward step with a partner and you will immediate notice the problem (be careful not to kick them too hard). In order to execute, you'll need to transform the forward step into a sidestep, which DOES provide the space to turn right.
As for stepping right with the left foot (as opposed turning right)? In closed position, your own leg is in the way. In order to do this, you need to cross your thighs and step across your body, which requires you to rotate your hips. And in order to have that twisted hip position, you and your partner must be in Promenade or Outside Partner position...which requires a step or two to set up.
----------
Two is the general principle of respecting the line of dance (LOD). After the steps you mention, I am facing in the direction of the LOD. There is nothing mechanically preventing me from deciding to reverse course and step backwards with my left foot, but it is quite rude to the dancers behind me, and so is strongly discouraged. Stepping sideways towards the center of the room, by contrast is OK. Naturally, continuing forward is also OK.
Hence, I think, why your instructor says you "cannot" step backward. You can--it's just that you shouldn't, and they are trying not to overload you with information.
-----------
One is the basic mechanical limitations of dancing with a partner. When making a forward step in closed position (which is the likeliest way to proceed, given the set of steps you describe), you cannot turn right on a left-foot lead, and you cannot turn left on a right-foot lead. The reason for this is pretty simple: your partner's leg is in the way!
Try turning right on a left-foot forward step with a partner and you will immediate notice the problem (be careful not to kick them too hard). In order to execute, you'll need to transform the forward step into a sidestep, which DOES provide the space to turn right.
As for stepping right with the left foot (as opposed turning right)? In closed position, your own leg is in the way. In order to do this, you need to cross your thighs and step across your body, which requires you to rotate your hips. And in order to have that twisted hip position, you and your partner must be in Promenade or Outside Partner position...which requires a step or two to set up.
----------
Two is the general principle of respecting the line of dance (LOD). After the steps you mention, I am facing in the direction of the LOD. There is nothing mechanically preventing me from deciding to reverse course and step backwards with my left foot, but it is quite rude to the dancers behind me, and so is strongly discouraged. Stepping sideways towards the center of the room, by contrast is OK. Naturally, continuing forward is also OK.
Hence, I think, why your instructor says you "cannot" step backward. You can--it's just that you shouldn't, and they are trying not to overload you with information.
Last edited:
Early on, you generally only learn clockwise turns, which are more properly known as Reverse turns, because that step respects the easy-to-remember "leader left, follower right" mantra.
However, in order to let the Waltz travel freely around the room, you need to turn both clockwise and counter-clockwise. Clockwise turns are known as Natural turns. Natural turns begin with "leader right, follower left."
Again, your instructor is not wrong, they are merely avoiding overloading you with data that isn't yet relevant to you.
learn2dance
New Member
I have been learning to turn counter clockwise. Turning to the left.