Waltz Basic and Advanced Routine with the Weave

ballroom routine timing & music turns & spins waltz

The short answer: this Routine Episode gives you two Waltz routines. The basic routine works on the Natural Spin Turn, Reverse Turns, Whisk and Chassé from Promenade. The advanced routine adds a Reverse Corte, Back Whisk, Weave from Promenade and Cross Hesitation. Each routine is danced, then every figure is named and the timing counted, and I finish with my key Waltz tip: extend beat 2.

What do these Waltz routines cover?

In this episode I dance with my student Brittany. The basic routine focuses on the Reverse Turns, overturned a little so you travel down the line of dance properly, then the Whisk, the Chassé and the Spin Turn. It works on forward and backward movement, turns, spins and pivots.

In the advanced routine I've picked an interesting way into the Weave from Promenade, and added a Corte and a Hesitation.

Why should you work on the Weave from Promenade?

It's a very popular figure in the Waltz, but not easy by any stretch of the imagination. All dancers at intermediate level and above should focus on their Weaves: good footwork and good timing first. The Weave then gives you a nice platform to develop your lead and follow, which you could spend the rest of your life developing.

How do you count these Waltz routines?

Each figure is counted 1, 2, 3, with 1, 2-and-3 on the Chassé from Promenade. I count the basic routine from 2:38 in the video and the advanced routine from 4:53, so you can dance along on time.

What steps are in the basic Waltz routine?

Preparation Step: a little wind up, then the preparation step.
Natural Spin Turn
4–6 Reverse Turn: finishing facing the line of dance.
Reverse Turn: the lady swings her leg and turns strongly. Overturn it a little to travel down the line of dance.
Whisk
Chassé from Promenade: counted 1, 2-and-3.
Natural Spin Turn: around a corner, underturned.

What steps are in the advanced Waltz routine?

Preparation Step: a little wind up, then the preparation step.
Natural Spin Turn: underturned.
Reverse Corte
Back Whisk
Weave from Promenade: ending in Promenade Position.
Chassé from Promenade: remaining in Promenade Position.
Cross Hesitation: counted 1, 2, 3.
Outside Change: then any natural figure will do.

Common mistakes

Hitting every beat precisely with your feet so your body arrives at the same time. Your movement stops and starts instead of flowing.
Not overturning the Reverse Turn enough to travel down the line of dance properly.
Working on lead and follow in the Weave before your footwork and timing are good.
Expecting the flow to come quickly. It takes a long time to master, so be patient with it.

Try this in your next practice

Dance the basic routine along with the timing section from 2:38. Then dance it again and extend beat 2: as you lower, let the fall follow through with the swing through your body and hips, so your body doesn't stop and start. When that flows, try the advanced routine, and give the Weave from Promenade extra time for footwork and timing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the key Waltz tip in this video?

Extend beat 2. If your feet hit every beat precisely and your body arrives at the same time, your movement stops and starts. The Waltz ebbs and flows, so as you lower, follow through with the swing and use beat 2 to lengthen your musicality.

How do you count the Chassé from Promenade?

1, 2-and-3. The other figures in these routines are counted 1, 2, 3.

Who should work on the Weave from Promenade?

All dancers at intermediate level and above. Focus on good footwork and good timing first, then use it to develop your lead and follow.

How fast is Waltz music?

WDSF competition rules set Waltz at 28 to 30 bars a minute.

Are there other basic and advanced Waltz routines?

Yes. Try my Waltz basic and advanced routine with Contra Check and my Waltz basic and advanced routine with the Wing.

Related lessons

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.

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