Carousel New Vogue Routine: Basic and Advanced

The short answer: the Carousel is a New Vogue sequence dance from Australia, danced to Slow Foxtrot music. It doesn't use set figure groups. Instead it borrows steps from the Ballroom dances, like walks, chassés, a Grapevine and Whisk-like crosses. In this routine episode my student Zoe and I dance a basic and an advanced demonstration, then I name every figure and count the timing in slows and quicks.

What is the Carousel dance?

The Carousel belongs to New Vogue, which is what we call sequence dancing. You won't find it in many places outside Australia, apart from a few pockets around the world. It's danced to Slow Foxtrot music, and you'll recognise some of the figures. If you dance a lot of American Smooth, some of these moves may look like something you'd like to try.

Where does the name Carousel come from?

From the figure in the middle of the dance where you and your partner walk around each other, brushing, then continue with another set of walks around in a circle. That's where the dance gets its name.

How do you count the Carousel?

In slows and quicks, like a Slow Foxtrot. I count the whole sequence out loud from 6:06 in the video, so you can dance along with the timing.

What steps are in the Carousel?

There are no set figure groups, so in the video I walk through the steps in order:

1. 2 Walks forward and a Forward Cross
2. Step back and Point: point to the side and slightly forward.
3. Lock behind and Brush: the brush is without weight.
4. Breakaway: the lady breaks away, then step and brush.
5. Chassé to the side
6. Grapevine: think of it as a zigzag, one step forward, to the side and back, then under the body into another Chassé to the side.
7. Line: almost like a Contra Check.
8. The Carousel: walk around each other brushing, then another set of walks around in a circle.
9. Chassé and Lunge: chassé to the side, step out into a Lunge, then come back.
10. Twinkle: a step that changes feet.
11. Forward, forward, swing to the side and cross behind: like a Whisk.
12. Forward, forward, side and cross behind: like another Whisk.
13. Forward, side and close: back into your normal position.

Common mistakes

• Looking for set figure groups like the standard Ballroom dances. The Carousel doesn't have them, so learn it step by step in sequence.
• Taking weight on the brush after the Lock. It's a brush without weight.
• Leaving the arm styling until last. Arm styling is very important in this dance.

Try this in your next practice

Watch the figure names section and walk the steps slowly in order. Then dance them with the timing section, counting the slows and quicks out loud. Test it out in your studio and give it a shot with someone.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Carousel danced outside Australia?

Not much. New Vogue is mostly an Australian style, with only a few pockets of the world where it's danced.

What music is the Carousel danced to?

Slow Foxtrot music, and it's counted in slows and quicks.

Does the Carousel have set figure groups?

No. It borrows a lot of steps from the Ballroom dances instead, which is why I name each step in order in the video.

What is a Twinkle in the Carousel?

A step that changes feet. In this sequence it comes straight after the Lunge.

I dance American Smooth. Is this dance for me?

Yes. You'll recognise some of the moves, and it's a great way to test yourself by following a new sequence dance at home.

Related lessons

• Swing Waltz New Vogue routine
• Merrilyn New Vogue routine
• Lucille Waltz New Vogue routine
• Slow Foxtrot basic and advanced routine

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.