Waltz Basic Steps for Beginners: Solo Box Waltz Lesson

ballroom footwork technique turns & spins waltz

The short answer: the box Waltz is a six-step pattern: forward, side, close, then back, side, close, counted 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3. The steps are the same for the man and the lady, so you can learn them on your own. Build it in order: the pattern, then the footwork, then the timing, and only then add turn. The secret is the weight change: close your feet fully on 3 and lower one heel only, so you always know which foot is free.

What is the box Waltz?

The box is the simplest way to understand how to use your feet in the slow Waltz, and how to turn to the right and to the left. It isn't a Waltz routine, it's the foundation underneath one. It may be basic, but it is not easy to master. As professionals we still use simple patterns like this to improve our swing, posture and hold without complicated choreography.

Why practise Waltz basic steps solo?

If you're a good solo dancer, you'll be an amazing partner. Your footwork needs to be automatic, because when you dance with a partner you need to focus on leading and following. You can't be thinking about your feet when someone is attached to you.

Which way is forward in the box Waltz?

Everything starts from your feet together, in the centre. Forward and sideways are relative to your feet, not your eyes, your partner or the room. Every time you close on the count of 3, your feet are flat, side by side, with the toes and heels lined up: tight together, but still relaxed.

How do you learn the box Waltz step by step?

In the video I build it up in the order I always recommend: get the pattern, get the footwork, get the timing, then add turn.

The pattern: left foot forward, right foot to the side, close left to right. Then right foot back, left foot to the side, close right to left, and you're back where you began.
The footwork: forward on a heel-toe, side on the toes with your weight up, then close and lower. Back on the toe and lower the heel, side on the toe, then close and lower.
The weight change: when you close on 3, lower the closing foot's heel only. The other heel stays just off the floor, so the next foot is already free.
The timing: count 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, and lower at the end of 3.
Left and right foot boxes: dance two boxes from the left foot, then half a box (a Change Step) to free the right foot, then two boxes from the right foot, travelling along the line of dance.
The turn: still step forward, then turn on the sideways step, close and lower. That's a quarter turn. On the back half, step straight back, turn the toe in a little, side and close for another quarter. I show it from 14:20.

Common mistakes

Not changing weight on 3, so you're never sure which foot to use next.
Closing the feet slightly open or apart instead of fully together.
Judging forward and sideways by the room or your partner instead of your feet.
Trying to turn on the Change Step. Keep that one straight.
Thinking about your feet while dancing with a partner, because the footwork isn't automatic yet.

Try this in your next practice

Follow along with the demonstrations from 12:02, counting 1, 2, 3 out loud: two left foot boxes, a half box, two right foot boxes, then a half box back to the start. When the footwork and weight change feel automatic, add a quarter turn on each half. Then use the practice music at the end of the video. If you have a partner, dance it together as a warm-up.

Frequently asked questions

Can I learn the Waltz without a partner?

Yes. The box steps are the same for the man and the lady, and practising them solo makes you a better partner.

What music do I need for the box Waltz?

Waltz music has three beats to a bar, so you can't dance it to 4/4 music. A slow Waltz works best. WDSF competition rules set Waltz at 28 to 30 bars a minute.

Is the box Waltz enough for a wedding dance?

Yes. If you just want to social dance or do a wedding dance, the box Waltz is plenty. It's simple and it looks nice.

What do I do with my arms when I practise solo?

Brace your waist without flexing your abs. The man holds his arms up in his frame. The lady has a curve to the left through her head, her right arm up and her left hand on the man, and keeps that left curve through every turn.

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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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