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
 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.

2 American Smooth
 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.

American Smooth 3
 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 Alignment RISE & FALL
S=Slow, 2 beats of music. LOD= Line of Dance Com= Commence
Q=Quick, 1 beat of music DC= Diagonal Center E/O= (at) end of
DW=Diagonal Wall Cont= Continue
Foot Position P= (foot) Pointing NFR= No-foot rise (Body
RF= Right Foot A-LOD= Against LOD Rise with heel on the
LF= Left Foot ground)
SLT=slight(ly) Foot-Work R= Rise
TTI= Toe Turned In T=Toe L= Lower
TTO= Toe Turned Out H=Heel
B=Ball of foot Dance Positions
Body Position HT= Heel, then Toe PP= Promenade Position
SLT=slight TH= Toe, then Heel Prom Pos= Promenade
CBM=Contra-Body Motion F= foot (flat foot) Position
CBMP= Contra-Body LF= Left Foot OP= Outside Partner
Motion Position RF= Right Foot PO= Partner Outside
R=Right W= whole (foot) ROP= Right Outside Partner
L=Left IE= Inside Edge LOP= Left Outside Partner
SxS= Side-By-Side Position
Turn
Com= Commence
E/O= (at) end of
Cont= Continue
R=Right
L=Left
BTL= Body Turns Less
BCT= Body Completes Turn
Bet= Between

4 American Smooth
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.

American Smooth 5
 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’.

6 American Smooth
 Waltz
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

American Smooth 7
 Waltz

Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 123 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Slight Facing Com R
1 1 LF Fwd Closed HT
CBM DW e/o 1
RF Side
Facing * up to 1/8 turn left can
2 2 & slightly Sway L Closed * T Cont R
DW be taken
Fwd
LF
Facing Cont R,
3 3 Closes to Sway L Closed TH
DW L e/o 3
RF

8 American Smooth
 Waltz

Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 123 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Slight Backing
1 1 RF Back Closed HT NFR
CBM DW
e/o 1
LF Side
Backing * up to 1/8 turn left can
2 2 & slightly Sway R Closed * T Cont R
DW be taken
Back
RF
Backing Cont R,
3 3 Closes to Sway R Closed TH
DW L e/o 3
LF

American Smooth 9
 Waltz

Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 123 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Slight Facing Com R
1 1 RF Fwd Closed HT
CBM DC e/o 1
LF Side
Facing * Up to 1/8 turn Right
2 2 & slightly Sway R Closed * T Cont R
DC can be taken
Fwd
RF
Facing Cont R, R=Rise,
3 3 Closes to Sway R Closed TH
DC L e/o 3 L=Lower
LF

10 American Smooth
 Waltz

Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 123 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Slight Backing
1 1 LF Back Closed TH NFR
CBM DC
e/o 1
RF Side
Backing * Up to 1/8 turn Right
2 2 &slightly Sway L Closed * T Cont R
DC can be taken
Back
LF closes Backing Cont R,
3 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF DC L e/o 3

American Smooth 11
 Waltz

Left Turn
Rhythm: 123223 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com Com R
1 1 LF fwd CBM Closed HT
DC turning L e/o 1
Backing 1/4 L Bet
2 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
DW 1&2
LF close Backing 1/8 L bet Cont R,
3 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF LOD 2&3 L e/o 3
Backing Cont * Down on 4, Com to R
4 2 RF Back CBM Closed TH *
LOD turning L e/o 4- NFR
Pointing 3/8 L bet
5 2 LF side Sway R Closed T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
DW 4&5, BTL
RF close Facing Cont R, BCT= Body Completes
6 3 Sway R Closed BCT TH
to LF DW L e/o 6 Turn

12 American Smooth
 Waltz

Left Turn
Rhythm: 123223 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com turn Com R
1 1 RF Back CBM Closed TH NFR=No Foot Rise
DC L e/o 1 NFR
Pointing 3/8 L bet
2 2 LF Side Sway R Closed T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
to LOD 1&2, BTL
RF
Facing Cont R, BCT= Body Completes
3 3 closes to Sway R Closed BCT TH
LOD L e/o 3 Turn
LF
Facing *Down on 4,
4 2 LF Fwd CBM Closed Cont L HT *
LOD Com to R e/o 4
Backing 1/4 L bet
5 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
Wall 4&5
LF close Backing 3/8 L Bet Cont R,
6 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF DW 5&6 L e/o 6

American Smooth 13
 Waltz

Right Turn
Rhythm: 123223 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com Com R
1 1 RF fwd CBM Closed HT
DW turning R e/o 1
Backing 1/4 R Bet
2 2 LF side Sway R Closed T Cont R
DC 1&2
RF close Backing 1/8 R bet Cont R,
3 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF LOD 2&3 L e/o 3
Backing Cont * Down on 4, Com to R
4 2 LF Back CBM Closed TH *
LOD turning R e/o 4- NFR
Pointing 3/8 R bet
5 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
DC 4&5, BTL
LF close Facing Cont R, BCT= Body Completes
6 3 Sway L Closed BCT TH
to RF DC L e/o 6 Turn

14 American Smooth
 Waltz

Right Turn
Rhythm: 123223 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com turn Com R
1 1 LF Back CBM Closed TH NFR=No Foot Rise
DW R e/o 1 NFR
Sway Pointing 3/8 R bet
2 2 RF Side Closed T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
L to LOD 1&2, BTL
LF closes Sway Facing Cont R, BCT= Body Completes
3 3 Closed BCT TH
to RF L LOD L e/o 3 Turn
Facing *Down on 4,
4 2 RF Fwd CBM Closed Cont R HT *
LOD Com to R e/o 4
Backing 1/4 R bet
5 2 LF side Sway R Closed T Cont R
Centre 4&5
RF close Backing 3/8 R Bet Cont R,
6 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DC 5&6 L e/o 6

American Smooth 15
 Waltz

Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending

Rhythm: 123 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com R e/o
1 1 LF Fwd Slt CBM Closed None HT 1-3 is twinkle
DW 1
RF side Facing Slt body
2 2 Sway L Closed T Cont R
& slt fwd DW turn R
LF close Prom Facing Cont R, Prom Pos= Promenade
3 3 Sway L - TH
to RF Pos DW L e/o 3 Position
Facing
DW,
RF fwd & CBM*& Prom Com R
4 2 moving - HT *CBM is slight
across CBMP Pos e/o 4
along
LOD
LF side & Facing
5 2 Sway R Closed - T Cont R 4-6 is promenade ending
slt fwd DW
RF close Sway Facing Cont R,
6 3 Closed - Th
to LF R DW L e/o 6

16 American Smooth
 Waltz

Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending

Rhythm: 123 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com R
1 1 RF Back - Closed - TH 1-3 is Twinkle
DW e/o 1
LF Diag Pointing ¼ R bet
2 2 Sway R Closed T Cont R
Back DC 1&2, BTL
RF close Prom Facing Cont R, Prom Pos= Promenade
3 3 Sway R BCT TH
to LF Pos DC L e/o 3 Position
Facing
DC.
LF Fwd & CBM& Prom Com R
4 2 Moving Com L HT 4-6 is promenade ending
across CBMP Pos 3/o 4
along
LOD
Backing 1/8 L bet
5 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
Wall 4&5
LF close Backing 1/8 L bet Cont R,
6 3 Sway L Closed Th
to RF DW 5&6 L eo 6

American Smooth 17
 Waltz

Box w/ Underarm Turn Right

Rhythm: 123223323423 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com R
1 1 LF Fwd Closed - HT
LOD e/o 1
Facing
2 2 RF side Sway L Closed - T Cont R
LOD
LF close Facing Cont R,
3 3 Sway L Closed - TH
to RF LOD L e/o 3
Backing Com R Release R hand from
4 2 RF back Facing - TH
A-LOD e/o 4 ladies back on 4
Backing
5 2 LF side Sway R - T Cont R Raise Left hand on 5
A-LOD
RF close Backing Cont R,
6 3 Sway R - TH
to LF A-LOD L e/o 6
Facing Com R e/o
7 3 LF Fwd Com L HT
LOD 7
Facing 1/8 L bet
8 2 RF side Sway L Facing T Cont R
DC 7&8
LF close Facing 1/8 L bet Cont R,
9 3 Sway L Facing TH
to RF Center 8&9 L e/o 9
1 Backing Com R Regain Closed position
4 RF back Closed - TH
0 Wall e/o 10 during 10-12
1 Backing
2 LF side Sway R Closed - T Cont R
1 Wall
1 RF close Backing Cont R,
3 Sway R Closed - TH
2 to LF Wall L e/o 12

18 American Smooth
 Waltz

Box w/ Underarm Turn Right

Rhythm: 123223323423 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing
1 1 RF back Closed - TH Com NFR
LOD
Backing
2 2 LF side Sway R Closed - T Cont R
LOD
RF close Backing Cont R,
3 3 Sway R Closed - TH
to LF LOD L e/o 3
Facing Com R e/o
4 2 LF Fwd Facing Com R HT
A-LOD 4
Do 3 right curving
Facing ¼ R bet
5 2 RF Fwd CBM T Cont R forward walks 5-7, under
Center 4&5
mans L arm.
Facing 1/8 R bet Cont R,
6 3 LF Fwd TH
DC 5&6 L e/o 6
Facing ¼ R bet Com R e/o
7 3 RF Fwd CBM HT
DW 6&7 7
Facing 1/8 R bet
8 2 LF Side Facing T Cont R BTL= Body Turns Less
Wall 7&8,BTL
RF Close Facing Cont R, BCT= Body completed
9 3 Facing BCT TH
to RF Wall L e/o 9 Turn
1 Facing Com R e/o Regain closed position
4 LF Fwd Closed - HT
0 Wall 10 during 10-12
1 Facing
2 RF side Sway L Closed - T Cont R
1 Wall
1 LF close Facing Cont R,
3 Sway L Closed - TH
2 to RF Wall L e/o 12

American Smooth 19
 Waltz

Progressive Twinkles
Rhythm: 123223323423 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com R
1 1 LF Fwd CBM Closed Com L HT
DW e/o 1
Facing 1/8 L bet
2 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
LOD 1&2
LF close Facing ½ L bet Cont R,
3 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF DC 2&3, BTL L e/o 3
RF fwd, CBM& Right Facing Com R ROP= Right Outside
4 2 Com R HT
ROP CBMP O/P DC e/o 4 Partner
Facing 1/8 R bet
5 2 LF side Sway R Closed T Cont R
LOD 4&5
RF close Facing 1/8 R bet Cont R,
6 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DW 5&6 BTL L e/o 6
LF fwd, CBM& Facing Com R LOP= Left Outside
7 3 Left O/P Com L HT
LOP CBMP DW e/o 7 Partner
Facing 1/8 L bet
8 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
LOD 7&8
LF close Facing 1/8 L bet Cont R,
9 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF DC 8&9, BTL L e/o 9
1 RF fwd, Right Facing Com R
4 CBMP - HT
0 ROP O/P DC e/o 10
1 LF side & Facing
2 Sway R Closed - T Cont R
1 slt fwd DC
1 RF close Facing Cont R,
3 Sway R Closed - TH
2 to LF DC L e/o 12

20 American Smooth
 Waltz

Progressive Twinkles
Rhythm: 123223323423 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing
1 1 RF back CBM Closed Com L TH Com NFR
DW
Pointing
¼ L bet
2 2 LF side Sway R Closed DW T Cont R
1&2,BTL
A-LOD
RF close Backing Cont R,
3 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DC L e/o 3
CBM& Backing Com NFR *Partner outside on
4 2 LF back * Com R TH
CBMP DC e/o 4 Right
Pointing
¼ R bet
5 2 RF side Sway L Closed DC, T Cont R
1&2,BTL
A-LOD
LF close Backing Cont R,
6 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF DW L e/o 6
CBM,& Backing Com NFR *Partner outside on
7 3 RF back * Com L TH
CBMP DW e/o 7 Left
Pointing
¼ L bet
8 2 LF side Sway R Closed DW, T Cont R
1&2,BTL
A-LOD
RF close Backing Cont R,
9 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DC L e/o 9
1 Backing Com NFR *Partner outside on
4 LF back CBMP * TH
0 DC e/o 10 Right
1 RF side, Backing
2 Sway L Closed T Cont R
1 &slt back DC
1 LF close Backing Cont R,
3 Sway L Closed TH
2 to RF DC L e/o 12

American Smooth 21
 Waltz

Open Break & Ladies Underarm Turn Right

Rhythm: 123223323423 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com R
1 1 LF Fwd Closed - HT
LOD e/o 1
RF side Facing
2 2 Sway L Closed - T Cont R Slt=slight(ly)
& slt fwd LOD
LF close Facing Cont R,
3 3 Sway L Closed - TH
to RF LOD L e/o 3
RF side
Open Facing Com R Remove Rt hand from
4 2 & slt - BHT
Facing LOD e/o 1 ladies left shoulder
back
Open Facing
5 2 LF back - T Cont R
Facing LOD
RF in Open Facing Up,
6 3 - TH
place Facing LOD L e/o 6
Raise Left hand, lady
Open Facing Com R
7 3 LF side - BHT commences UAT to
Facing LOD e/o 7
ladies R
Facing
8 2 RF back Open - T Cont R Cont ladies UAT Right
LOD
Cont Ladies UAT Right,
LF in Facing Up, slowly lower left arm as
9 3 Open - TH
place LOD L e/o 9 ladies finished turn at e/o
9
1 RF side Facing
4 Closed - BH Down Regain closed position
0 & slt fwd LOD
LF close
to RF
1 Facing Slt body *RF: Whole F
2 SLT back Sway L Closed - *
1 LOD rise LF: IE of B
(no
weight)
Slt body
1 Position Facing Rise,
3 Sway L Closed - -
2 held LOD Body L
e/o 12

22 American Smooth
 Waltz

Open Break & Ladies Underarm Turn Right

Rhythm: 123223323423 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com NFR
1 1 RF back CBM Closed - TH
LOD e/o 1
LF side & Backing
2 2 Sway R Closed - T Cont R
slt back LOD
RF close Backing Cont R,
3 3 Sway R Closed - TH
to LF LOD L e/o 3
LF side & Open Backing Com R Release Left hand from
4 2 - BHT
slt back Facing LOD e/o 4 mans right shoulder
Open Backing
5 2 RF back - T Cont R
Facing LOD
LF in Open Backing Up,
6 3 - TH
place Facing LOD L e/o 6
Facing
RF side Open 1/8 R bet Com R
7 3 DC BHT Com Right UAT
& slt fwd Facing 6&7 e/o 7
A-LOD
1/8 R bet
Facing
8 2 LF fwd Open 7&8. T Cont R Cont Right UAT
Center
½ R on 8
Replace
weight Facing Up,
9 3 CBM Open Cont R TH Cont R UAT
fwd on wall L e/o 9
RF
1 LF side & Backing ¼ R bet
4 Closed BH Down Regain closed position
0 slt fwd LOD 9 &10
RF close
1 to LF, slt Backing IE of Slt body
2 Sway R Closed -
1 back , no LOD B R
weight
1 Position Backing Body L
3 Sway R Closed - -
2 help LOD slt e/o 18

American Smooth 23
 Waltz

Butterflies
Rhythm: 4 235 23623 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1 Facing Com R Preceed with steps 1-9 of
4 RF Fwd CBM Com R HT
0 LOD e/o 10 Box w/ UAT
1 Facing ¼ R bet
2 LF Fwd T Cont R
1 LOD 10&11
Almost
1 RF close Facing 1/8 R bet Up, Almost back-to-back
3 Back-to- TH
2 to LF DW 11&12 L e/o 12 position
Back
1 Facing 1/8 L bet Com R
5 LF Fwd CBM HT
3 LOD 12&13 e/o 13
1 Open Facing ¼ L bet
2 RF side T Cont R
4 Facing Center 13&14
Facing
1 LF close 1/8 L bet Up,
3 Prom? DC TH Open facing Position
5 to LF 14&15 L e/o 15
A-LOD
Facing
1 RF fwd & CBM& Prom Com R
6 DC Com R HT
6 across CBMP Pos e/o 16
A-LOD
1 Facing 1/8 R bet
2 LF side Closed T Cont R
7 Center 16&17
1 RF close Facing Up,
3 Closed TH
8 to LF Center L e/o 18

24 American Smooth
 Waltz

Butterflies
Rhythm: 4 235 23623 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1 Facing Com R Preceed with steps 1-9 of
4 LF Fwd CBM ¼ L on 10 HT
0 LOD e/o 10 Box w/ ladies UAT
1 Facing
2 RF Fwd Cont L T Cont R
1 DC
Almost
1 LF close Facing 1/8 L bet Up, Almost back-to-back
3 Back-to- TH
2 to RF DC 11&12 L e/o 12 position
Back
1 Facing 1/8 R on Com R
5 RF fwd CBM HT
3 LOD 13 e/o 13
1 Open Facing ¼ R bet
2 LF side T Cont R
4 Facing Wall 13&14
Facing
1 RF close Prom 1/8 R bet Up,
3 DW TH Open facing Position
5 to LF Pos? 14&15 L e/o 15
A-LOD
Facing
1 LF fwd & CBM& Prom Com R e/o
6 DW Com L HT
6 across CBMP Pos 16
A-LOD
1 Facing 1/8 L bet
2 RF side Closed T Cont R
7 Wall 16&17
1 LF close Backing Up,
3 Closed TH
8 to RF Center L e/o 18

American Smooth 25
 Waltz

Left Turn w/ Ladies Left Underarm Turn

Rhythm: 1 232 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing Com Com R e/o
1 1 LF fwd CBM Closed HT
DC turning L 1
Backing 1/4 L Bet
2 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Cont R
DW 1&2
LF close Backing 1/8 L bet Cont R, L
3 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF LOD 2&3 e/o 3
Open Backing Cont * Down on 4, Com to R
4 2 RF Back CBM TH *
Facing LOD turning L e/o 4- NFR
Pointing 3/8 L bet
5 2 LF side Sway R Open T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
DW 4&5, BTL
RF close Open Facing Cont R, BCT= Body Completes
6 3 Sway R BCT TH
to LF Facing DW L e/o 6 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.

26 American Smooth
 Waltz

Left Turn w/ Ladies Left Underarm Turn

Rhythm: 1 232 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com turn Com R
1 1 RF Back CBM Closed TH NFR=No Foot Rise
DC L e/o 1 NFR
Pointing 3/8 L bet
2 2 LF Side Sway R Closed T Cont R BTL=Body Turns Less
to LOD 1&2, BTL
RF
Facing Cont R, L BCT= Body Completes
3 3 closes to Sway R Closed BCT TH
LOD e/o 3 Turn
LF
Open Facing *Down on 4,
4 2 LF Fwd CBM Cont L HT *
Facing LOD Com to R e/o 4
Backing
3/8 L bet
DW,
4&5, then
5 2 RF side Open end T Cont R
½ L on 5
facing
(Pivot )
DW
Facing
LF
DW,
Fwd,(RF Open 1/2 L on Cont R, L
6 3 CBM end TH
held back Facing 6 (Pivot) e/o 6
Backing
in CBMP)
DW
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.

American Smooth 27
 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.

28 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

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

American Smooth 29
 Foxtrot

Forward Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Facing
1 LF Fwd - Closed - H Down
S LOD
3,4- Facing Com R
2 RF Fwd - Closed - HT LF brushes RF on 4
S LOD E/O 2
Facing Up on 3, R=Rise,
3 5-Q LF Side Sway R Closed - TH
LOD L E/O 3 L=Lower
RF close Facing
4 6-Q Sway R Closed - BH Down
to LF LOD

30 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Forward Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Backing
1 RF Back - Closed - TH Down
S LOD
Com
3,4- Backing RF Brushes
2 LF Back - Closed - TH NFR E/O
S LOD LF on 4
2
Backing Up on 3,
3 5-Q RF Side Sway L Closed - TH NFR=No Foot Rise
LOD L E/O 3
LF close Backing
4 6-Q Sway L Closed - BH Down
to RF LOD

American Smooth 31
 Foxtrot

Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing
LF side & DW,
1,2- Prom Prom Pos=Promenade
1 Slightly Moving - H Down
S Pos Position
fwd along
LOD
Facing
3,4- RF fwd & CBM& Prom DW, Com R
2 Moving - HT Slight CBM on 2
S across CBMP Pos E/O 2
along
LOD
LF Side
and Facing Up on 3,
3 5-Q Sway R Closed - TH
Slightly DW L E/O 3
fwd
RF
Closed Facing
4 6-Q closes to Sway R - BH Down
DW
LF

32 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing
1,2- RF side Prom DC, Prom Pos=Promenade
1 - H Down
S & slt fwd Pos Moving Position
LOD
Facing
Com
3,4- LF Fwd & CBM& Prom DC, Com R
2 Turn L on HT CBM on 2
S across CBMP Pos Moving E/O 2
2
LOD
Backing 1/8 L bet Up on 3,
3 5-Q RF side Sway L Closed TH
Wall 2&3 L E/O 3
LF close Backing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q Sway L Closed BH Down
to RF DW 3&4

American Smooth 33
 Foxtrot

Promenade Basic W/ Underarm Turn

Rhythm: SSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing
LF side & DW,
1,2- Open
1 Slightly Moving - H Down Raise Left Arm
S Pos
fwd along
LOD
Facing
3,4- RF fwd & CBM*& DW, Com R
2 Open Moving - HT Slight CBM on 2
S across CBMP E/O 2
along
LOD
LF Side
Open,
and Facing Up on 3,
3 5-Q End in - TH Lowed L arm E/O 3
Slightly DW L E/O 3
Closed
fwd
RF
Facing
4 6-Q closes to - BH Down
DW
LF

34 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Promenade Basic W/ Underarm Turn

Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Open Facing Slt R CBM, beginning
1 RF Fwd 1/8 R H
S Pos Lod e/o 1 underarm turn
3,4- Facing ¼ R bet
2 LF Side Open T Up
S Wall 1&2
Open,
½ R bet Up on 3, Resume closed
3 5-Q RF Side End in BW TH
2&3 L e/o 3 position
Closed
LF close
4 6-Q Closed BW - BH Down
to RF

(Comments on Quick Turn variation)

American Smooth 35
 Foxtrot

Basic Left Turn (Left Rock Turn)

Rhythm: SSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
LF Fwd, When
1,2- then RF Facing RF brushes, (beat 2)
1 - Closed - H -
S brush to LOD the IE of ball or RF
LF touches floor
Backing
3,4- Com Com R
2 RF Back CBM Closed Against TH
S turning L e/o 2
LOD
Pointing
1/4 L bet
3 5-Q LF Side Sway R Closed new T Up BTL= Body Turns Less
2&3, BTL
LOD
Facing Body
RF close
4 6-Q Sway R Closed New Complete TH Lower
to LF
LOD Turn

36 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Basic Left Turn (Left Rock Turn)

Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
RF back, When
1,2- then LF Backing LF brushes, (beat 2)
1 - Closed - TH Down
S brush to LOD the IE of ball or LF
RF touches floor
3,4- Facing Com R
2 LF Fwd CBM Closed Com L HT A-LOD= Against LOD
S A-LOD e/o 2
Backing 1/8 L bet
3 5-Q RF side Sway L Closed T Up
DC 2&3
Backing
LF close 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q Sway L Closed New TH Lower
to RF 3&4
LOD

American Smooth 37
 Foxtrot

Quarter Turns - Closed Position

Rhythm: SSQQSSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Facing
1 LF Fwd - - H Down
S DW
3,4- Facing Com slt LF brushes RF on 4
2 RF Fwd CBM ?? Com R HT
S DW R E/O 2 Slt R = Slight Rise
Facing 1/8 R bet Up on 3, R=Rise,
3 5-Q LF Side Sway R TH
W 2&3 L E/O 3 L=Lower
RF close Backing 1/8 R bet
4 6-Q Sway R BH Down
to LF DC 3&4
1,2- Backing
5 LF Back - - TH Down
S DC
Com slt
3,4- Backing
6 RF Back CBM Com L TH NFR E/O RF brushes LF on 4
S DC
6
Pointing 1/4 L bet Up on 7,
7 5-Q LF Side Sway R >> TH NFR=No foot rise
DW 6&7 BTL L E/O 7
RF close Facing BCT= Body completes
8 6-Q Sway R BCT BH Down
to LF DW Turn

38 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Quarter Turns – Closed Position

Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Backing
1 RF Back - - TH Down
S DW
Com slt
3,4- Backing RF brushes LF on 4
2 LF Back CBM ?? Com R TH NFR E/O
S DW Slt R = Slight Rise
2
Pointing 1/4 R bet Up on 3, R=Rise,
3 5-Q RF Side Sway L TH
DC 2&3 BTL L E/O 3 L=Lower
LF close Facing BCT= Body completes
4 6-Q Sway L BCT BH Down
to RF DC Turn
1,2- Facing
5 RF Fwd - - H Down
S DC
3,4- Facing Com slt
6 LF Fwd CBM Com L HT LF brushes RF on 4
S DC R E/O 6
Backing 1/8 L bet Up on 7,
7 5-Q RF Side Sway L ? TH
W 6&7 L E/O 7
LF Close Backing 1/8 L bet
8 6-Q Sway L BH Down
to RF DW 7&8

American Smooth 39
 Foxtrot

Side Sway
Rhythm: SSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
LF side-1
1,2-
1 RF brush Sway R ?? Any None TH Down
S
to LF-2
RF side,3
3,4-
2 LF brush Sway L - - TH Down
S
to RF -4
Up on 3,
3 5-Q LF Side Sway R - - T
L E/O 3
RF
4 6-Q closes to Sway R ?? - - TH Down
LF

40 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Side Sway
Rhythm: SSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
RF side,1
1,2-
1 LF brush Sway L Any None TH Down
S
to RF –2
LF side,3
3,4-
2 RF brush Sway R - - TH Down
S
to LF -4
Up on 3,
3 5-Q RF Side Sway L - - T
L E/O 3
LF closes
4 6-Q Sway L - - TH Down
to RF

American Smooth 41
 Foxtrot

Twinkles Forward (progressive)

Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Facing
1 LF Fwd CBM Com L HT R e/o 1
S DW
Facing 1/8 L bet
2 3-Q RF side Sway L T Up
LOD 1&2
LF close Facing 1/8 L bet Up,
3 4-Q Sway L TH
to RF DC 2&3 L e/o 3
5,6- RF Fwd CBM&C Facing
4 Com R HT R e/o 4 Right outside partner
S O/P BMP DC
Facing 1/8 R bet
5 7-Q LF side Sway R T Up
LOD 4&5
RF close Facing 1/8 R bet Up,
6 8-Q Sway R TH
to LF DW 5&6 L e/o 6
9,10 LF Fwd CBM&C Facing
7 Com L HT R e/o 7 Left Outside partner
-S O/P BMP DW
11- Facing 1/8 L bet
8 RF side Sway L T Up
Q LOD 7&8
1/8 L bet
12- LF close Facing Up,
9 Sway L 9&10, TH
Q to RF DC L e/o 9
BTL
1 13,1 RF Fwd Facing
CBMP BCT HT R e/o 10 Right outside partner
0 4-S O/P DC
1 15- LF side & Facing
Sway R - T Up
1 Q slt fwd DC
1 16- RF close Facing Up, L e/o
Sway R - TH
2 Q to LF DC 12

42 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Twinkles Forward (progressive)

Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Backing NFR e/o
1 RF Back CBM Com L TH
S DW 1
Point DW
¼ L bet
2 3-Q LF side Sway R against T Up
1&2
LOD
RF close Backing Up,
3 4-Q Sway R TH
to LF DC L e/o 3
5,6- CBM& Backing NFR e/o Partner outside on
4 LF back Com R TH
S CBMP DC 4 Right
Point DC
¼ R bet
5 7-Q RF side Sway L against T Up
4&5
LOD
LF close Backing Up,
6 8-Q Sway L TH
to RF DW L e/o 6
9,10 CBM & Backing NFR e/o
7 RF back Com L TH Partner outside on Left
-S CBMP DW 7
Point DW ¼ L bet
11-
8 LF side Sway R against 7&8, T Up
Q
LOD BTL
12- RF Close Backing Up,
9 Sway R BCT TH
Q to LF DC L e/o 9
1 13,1 Backing NFR e/o Partner Outside on
LF Back CBMP TH
0 4-S DC 10 Right
RF side
1 15- Backing
& slt Sway L T Up
1 Q DC
back
1 16- LF close Backing Up, L e/o
Sway L TH
2 Q to RF DC 12

American Smooth 43
 Foxtrot

Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending

Rhythm:SQQ,SQQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Facing Rise e/o
1 LF Fwd Slt CBM None HT 1-3 is twinkle
S DW 1
RF side Facing SLT body
2 3-Q Sway L T Up
& slt fwd DW turn R
Up,
LF close Prom Facing
3 4-Q Sway L None TH Lower
to RF Pos DW
e/o 3
Facing
RF fwd PP, DW,
5,6- Prom
4 and CBM&C Moving - HT Rise CBM is slight
S Pos
across BMP along
LOD
LF side & Facing 4-6 is promenade
5 7-Q Sway R - T Up
slt fwd DW ending
Up,
RF close Facing
6 8-Q Sway R - TH Lower
to LF DW
e/o 6

44 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Simple Twinkle w/ Promenade Ending

Rhythm:SQQSQQSQQSQQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- Backing R e/o 1,
1 RF Back - - TH 1-3 is Twinkle
S DW NFR
¼ R bet
LF diag Pointing
2 3-Q Sway R 1&2, T Up
Back DC
BTL
RF close Prom Facing Up,
3 4-Q Sway R BCT TH
to LF Pos DC L e/o 3
Facing
5,6- LF fwd & CBM&C Prom DC, Rise e/o 4-6 is promenade
4 moving Com L HT
S across BMP Pos 4 ending
along
LOD
Backing 1/8 L
5 7-Q RF side Sway L T Up
Wall bet 4&5
LF close Backing 1/8 L Up, L e/o
6 8-Q Sway L TH
to RF DW bet 5&6 6

American Smooth 45
 Foxtrot

Grapevine
Rhythm:SQQ,QQS,QQ Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- LF diag L side Facing
1 H
S Fwd leading DW
RF Fwd,
Right CBM& Facing
2 3-Q HT
Outside CBMP DW
Partner
LF side & Backing ¼ R bet
3 4-Q T
slt back DC 2&3
CBM& Backing
4 5-Q RF Back T Partner outside on Left
CBMP DC
LF Side, Pointing ¼ L bet
5 6-Q TH TTO=Toe Turned Out
TTO DW 4&5
RF Fwd,
7,8- Right CBM& Facing
6 HT
S Outside CBMP DW
Partner
Facing 1/8 R bet Chasse to closed
7 9-Q LF Side Sway R T
Wall 6&8 position
10- RF close Facing
8 Sway R TH
Q to LF Wall

This is just one of many versions of the grapevine

46 American Smooth
 Foxtrot

Grapevine
Rhythm:SQQ,QQS,QQ Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
1,2- R side Backing
1 Rf back TH
S leading DW
CBM& Backing
2 3-Q LF Back T Partner outside on R
CBMP DW
RF side Pointing ¼ R bet
3 4-Q T
& slt fwd DC 2&3
LF Fwd,
Left CBM& Facing
4 5-Q T
Outside CBMP DC
Partner
RF side
Backing ¼ L bet
5 6-Q & slt TH
DW 4&5
back
7,8- CBM& Backing
6 LF Back TH Partner outside on R
S CBMP DW
RF side, Pointing 1/8 R
7 9-Q Sway L T TTO=Toe Turned out
TTO Center bet 6&8
10- LF close Facing 7,8= Chasse to closed
8 Sway L TH
Q to RF Center position

American Smooth 47
 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:

48 American Smooth
 Tango

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

American Smooth 49
 Tango

Closed Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Facing
1 1,2-S LF Fwd Closed - H
CBMP LOD
Facing
2 3,4-S RF Fwd Closed - H
LOD
CBM& Facing Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
3 5-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
CBMP LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
IE of BH,
Facing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q RF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
5 7,8-S Closed LF:IE of B
to RF* DC without weight.

50 American Smooth
 Tango

Closed Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Backing
1 1,2-S RF back Closed - BH
CBMP LOD
Backing
2 3,4-S LF back Closed - BH
LOD
CBM& Backing Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
3 5-Q RF back Closed Com L BH
CBMP LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
IE of BH,
Backing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q LF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
RF
Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
5 7,8-S close to Closed LF:IE of B
DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 51
 Tango

Outside Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
L Side Facing Prepare to step Right outside
1 1,2-S LF Fwd* Closed - H
leading LOD partner
Facing
2 3,4-S RF Fwd CBMP ROP - H ROP= Right outside Partner
LOD
Facing Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
3 5-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
IE of BH,
Facing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q RF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
5 7,8-S Closed LF:IE of B
to RF* DC without weight.

52 American Smooth
 Tango

Outside Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
R Side Backing
1 1,2-S RF back Closed - BH
leading LOD
Backing POR=Partner Outside on
2 3,4-S LF back CBMP POR - BH
LOD Right
Backing Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
3 5-Q RF back Closed Com L BH
LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
IE of BH,
Backing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q LF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
RF
Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
5 7,8-S close to Closed LF:IE of B
DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 53
 Tango

Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
Facing:
Prom DW
1 1,2-S LF side - H
Pos Moving:
LOD
1/8 L
RF Fwd Slight Com:PP
Pointing (Strong *Commence pointing LOD,
2 3,4-S & CBM & End: H
LOD* Body end facing LOD
across CBMP Closed
Turn)
CBM& Facing 3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
3 5-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
CBMP LOD Basic
IE of BH,
Facing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q RF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
5 7,8-S Closed LF:IE of B
to RF* DC without weight.

54 American Smooth
 Tango

Promenade Basic
Rhythm: SSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
Facing:
Prom DC Prom Pos= Promenade
1 1,2-S RF side H
Pos Moving: Position
LOD
Com:PP
CBM& 3/8 L
2 3,4-S LF Fwd End: PP= Promenade Position
CBMP (Swivel) HBH
Closed
CBM& Backing Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
3 5-Q RF back Closed Com L BH
CBMP LOD from basic
IE of BH,
Backing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q LF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
RF
Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
5 7,8-S close to Closed LF:IE of B
DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 55
 Tango

Argentine Walks
Rhythm: SSQQSSQQQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Facing
1 1,2-S LF fwd Closed Nil H
CBMP LOD
R side Facing
2 3,4-S RF fwd - - H
leading LOD
CBM& Facing * a slight curve to left may
3 5-Q LF fwd - - H
CBMP LOD be takenon steps 3-5
RF side
R side Facing
4 6-Q & slt - - IE of foot
leading LOD
back
CBM& Facing
5 7,8-S LF fwd - - H
CBMP LOD
9,10- R side Facing
6 RF fwd - - H
S leading LOD
CBM& Facing
7 11-Q LF fwd - - H
CBMP LOD
RF side
Facing
8 12-Q & slt - - IE of foot
LOD
back
CBM& Facing 3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
9 13-Q LF fwd - Com L H
CBMP LOD Basic
IE of BH,
1 Facing 1/8 L bet
14-Q RF side - then Whole
0 DC 3&4
foot
1 15,16 LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S to RF DC without weight.

56 American Smooth
 Tango

Argentine Walks
Rhythm: SSQQSSQQQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Backing
1 1,2-S RF back Closed Nil BH
CBMP LOD
L side Backing
2 3,4-S LF back - - BH
leading LOD
CBM& Backing
3 5-Q RF back - - BH
CBMP LOD
LF side L side Backing
4 6-Q - - IE of BH
& slt fwd leading LOD
CBM& Backing
5 7,8-S RF back - - BH
CBMP LOD
9,10- L side Backing
6 LF back - - BH
S leading LOD
CBM& Backing
7 11-Q RF back - - BH
CBMP LOD
LF side Backing
8 12-Q - - IE of BH
& slt fwd LOD
CBM& Backing Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
9 13-Q RF back - Com L BH
CBMP LOD from basic
IE of BH,
1 Backing 1/8 L bet
14-Q LF side - then Whole
0 DC 3&4
foot
RF
1 15,16 Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
close to Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 57
 Tango

Tango Rocks
Rhythm: SSQQSQQSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
Slt
Facing
1 1,2-S LF fwd CBM& Closed Nil H
LOD
CBMP
R side Facing
2 3,4-S RF fwd - - H
leading LOD
Slt
Facing
3 5-Q LF fwd CBM& - - H
LOD
CBMP
Replace
weight Backing
4 6-Q CBMP - - B
back on A-LOD
RF
LF fwd, Slt
Facing
5 7,8-S Small CBM& - - H
LOD
step CBMP
Facing
6 9-Q RF fwd - - H
LOD
Replace
weight Backing Inside Edge
7 10-Q - -
back on A-LOD of BH
LF
RF fwd,
11,12 Facing
8 small - - H
-S LOD
step
CBM& Facing 3-5 is ‘Tango Close’ from
9 13-Q LF fwd - Com L H
CBMP LOD Basic
IE of BH,
1 Facing 1/8 L bet
14-Q RF side - then Whole
0 DC 3&4
foot
1 15,16 LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S to RF DC without weight.

58 American Smooth
 Tango

Tango Rocks
Rhythm: SSQQSQQSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
Slt
Backing
1 1,2-S RF back CBM& Closed Nil BH
LOD
CBMP
L side Backing
2 3,4-S LF back - - BH
leading LOD
Slt
Backing
3 5-Q RF back CBM& - - BH
LOD
CBMP
Replace
weight Facing
4 6-Q CBMP - - H
fwd on A-LOD
LF
RF
Slt
back, Backing
5 7,8-S CBM& - - BH
small LOD
CBMP
step
9,10- Backing
6 LF back - - BH
S LOD
Replace
weight Facing
7 11-Q - - H
fwd on A-LOD
RF
LF back,
Backing
8 12-Q small - - BH
LOD
step
CBM& Backing Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
9 13-Q RF back - Com L BH
CBMP LOD from basic
IE of BH,
1 Backing 1/8 L bet
14-Q LF side - then Whole
0 DC 3&4
foot
RF
1 15,16 Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
close to Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 59
 Tango

Corte’
Rhythm: SSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e ment
p Foot Body Dance
Slight
L side Backing
1 1,2-S LF back body turn BH Corte’
leading A-LOD
L
Replace
weight Facing
2 3,4-S - H
fwd on LOD
RF
CBM& Facing Steps 3-5 is a ‘resolution’
3 5-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
CBMP LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
IE of BH,
Facing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q RF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
5 7,8-S Closed - LF:IE of B
to RF* DC without weight.

60 American Smooth
 Tango

Corte’
Rhythm: SSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
R side Facing Slt body
1 1,2-S RF Fwd H Corte’
leading A-LOD turn L
Backing
2 3,4-S LF back - BH
LOD
CBM& Backing Steps 3-5 is ‘Tango-close’
3 5-Q RF back Closed Com L BH
CBMP LOD from basic
IE of BH,
Backing 1/8 L bet
4 6-Q LF side Closed then Whole
DC 3&4
foot
RF
Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
5 7,8-S close to Closed LF:IE of B
DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 61
 Tango

Promenade Opening to Fan

Rhythm: SSQQ&SSSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
Facing
DW,
Prom Prom Pos= Promenade
1 1,2-S LF side Moving - H
Pos Position
along
LOD
Facing
RF fwd Com:PP DW,
CBM& *End backing DC
2 3,4-S & End: Moving ¼ R on 2 HBH
CBMP Lower L hand at end of 2
across L SxS Along
LOD*
Backing 1/8 R bet
3 5-Q LF back L SxS BH Release right hand
LOD 2&3
Facing
4 6-Q RF side L SxS Whole Foot L SxS= L Side-by-Side
A-LOD
LF
brushes Facing
5 & to RF, L SxS IE of B
A-LOD
no
weight
LF
points Facing
6 7,8-S L SxS IE of B
side, no A-LOD
weight
Facing
LOD, 3/8 L
9,10- CBM& L SxS LF: HBH *RF points diagonally back,
7 LF Fwd* END: on 7
S CBMP End: PP RF: IE of B no weight
facing (Swivel)
DW
RF fwd PP
11,12 Pointing 1/8 L
8 & CBMP End: H PP= Promenade Position
-S LOD on 8
across Closed
Facing Steps 9-11 is a ‘resolution’
9 13-Q LF fwd Closed H
LOD called the ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
1 Facing
14-Q RF side Closed IE of BH
0 LOD
LF close
1 15,16 to RF, Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
Closed IE of B
1 -S no LOD without weight.
weight*

62 American Smooth
 Tango

Promenade Opening to Fan

Rhythm: SSQQ&SSSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
Facing
DC,
Prom Prom Pos=Promenade
1 1,2-S RF side Move: H
Pos Position
along
LOD
Facing
LF Fwd Com:PP DC,
CBM& SxS=Side-by-Side
2 3,4-S & End: Move: ¼ L on 2 HBH
CBMP * End backing DW
across L SxS along
LOD*
Backing 1/8 L bet
3 5-Q RF Back L SxS BH
LOD 2&3
Facing
4 6-Q LF Side L SxS Whole foot
A-LOD
RF
brush to Facing
5 & L SxS IE of B
LF, no A-LOD
weight
RF
points to Facing
6 7,8-S L SxS IE of B
side, no A-LOD
weight
Facing
A-LOD, 3/8 R
9,10- CBM& L SxS RF:HBH * RF points diag back, no
7 RF fwd* End: on 7
S CBMP End: PP LF:IE of B weight
Facing (Swivel)
DC
Facing
LF fwd PP DC,
11,12 CBM&
8 & End: End: HBH PP=Promenade Position
-S CBMP
Across Closed Backing
LOD
Backing Steps 9-11 is ‘Tango-close’
9 13-Q RF back Closed BH
LOD from basic
1 Backing
14-Q LF side Closed IE of BH
0 LOD
RF
1 15,16 close to Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
Closed IE of B
1 -S LF, no LOD without weight.
weight*

American Smooth 63
 Tango

Left Turn
Rhythm: QQSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM&
1 1-Q LF Fwd DC Com L H
CBMP
¼ L bet
2 2-Q RF side BDW BH
1&2
Partner
Backing
Outside 1/8 L bet
3 3,4-S LF back CBMP Down BH
on Right 2&3
LOD
(POR)
Down
4 5-Q RF back CBM Com L BH
LOD
LF side 3/8 L bet
Pointing Body Facing Wall, Left toe
5 6-Q & slt 4&5, IE of foot
DW facing slightly leftwards
Fwd BTL
RF
close to Facing
6 7,8-S BCT Whole foot
LF, slt DW
back

64 American Smooth
 Tango

Left Turn
Rhythm: QQSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Backing
1 1-Q RF Back Com L BH
CBMP DC
1-3 Turn L to Face LOD. LF
LF side Pointing 3/8 L bet
2 2-Q Whole Foot pointing down LOD,
& slt fwd LOD 1&2, BTL
Releasing R heel
Right Facing
3 3,4-S RF fwd CBMP Outside Down BCT H
Partner LOD
Facing
4 5-Q LF fwd CBM Down Com L H
LOD
RF side
Backing ¼ L bet
5 6-Q & slt IE of BH
DW 4&5
back
LF close
Backing 1/8L bet
6 7,8-S to RF, Whole Foot
DW 5&6
slt fwd

American Smooth 65
 Tango

Left Turn w/ Outside Swivels

Rhythm: QQSSQQSSQQS Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Facing
1 1-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
CBMP DC
RF back
Backing 3/8 L bet
2 2-Q & slt Closed BH
LOD 1&2
side
Partner
CBM& Backing
3 3,4-S LF back Outside - BH
CBMP LOD
on Right
Replace
Body
weight CBM& Prom Facing
4 5,6-S turns H
FWD on CBMP Pos A-LOD
slt L
RF
CBM& Facing
5 6-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H
CBMP A-LOD
RF back Backing
3/8 L bet
6 7-Q & slt Closed DC BH
5&6
side A-LOD
Partner Backing
CBM&
7 8,9-S LF back Outside DC BH
CBMP
on Right A-LOD
Replace
Body
10,11 weight CBM& Prom Facing
8 turns H
-S FWD on CBMP Pos DW
slt L
LF
CBM& Facing
9 12-Q LF Fwd Closed Com L H ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
CBMP DW
1 Facing 1/4 L bet IE of R, then
13-Q RF side Closed
0 DC 5&6 whole foot
1 14,15 LF close Facing * LF almost closes to RF,
Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S to RF* DC without weight.

66 American Smooth
 Tango

Left Turn w/ Outside Swivels

Rhythm: QQSSQQSSQQS Lady
Rhythm

S Position
Beat/

t Align-
Turn Foot-Work Description
e Ment
p Foot Body Dance
CBM& Backing
1 1-Q RF Back Closed Com L BH
CBMP DC
LF side Pointing 3/8L bet
2 2-Q Closed Whole Foot
& slt fwd LOD 1&2, BTL
Facing *RF is FWD ROP, then a
Right LOD, swivel is performed on the
3/8 R
CBM& Outside End: ball or the RF and LF is
3 3,4-S RF fwd* on 3 HB
CBMP Partner, Facing closed to RF without weight,
(Swivel)
End: PP DW ending in Promenade
A-LOD Position
Facing
DW
LF fwd 3/8 L
CBM& Prom A-LOD
4 5,6-S & on 4 HB
CBMP Pos End:
across (Swivel)
Backing
A-LOD
CBM& Backing
5 6-Q RF back Closed Com L BH
CBMP A-LOD
Pointing
LF side 3/8 L bet
6 7-Q Closed DC Whole Foot
& slt fwd 5&6, BTL
A-LOD
Facing *RF is FWD ROP, then a
Right DC swivel is performed on the
3/8 R
CBM& Outside A-LOD, ball or the RF and LF is
7 8,9-S RF fwd* on 7 HB
CBMP Partner, End: closed to RF without weight,
(Swivel)
End:PP Facing ending in Promenade
LOD Position
Facing
LF fwd LOD, 3/8 L
10,11 CBM& Prom
8 & End: on 8 HB
-S CBMP Pos
Across Backing (Swivel)
DW
CBM& Backing
9 12-Q RF back Closed Com L BH ‘TANGO-CLOSE’
CBMP DW
1 Backing ¼ L bet IE of BH,
13-Q LF side Closed
0 DC 9&10 then WF
RF
1 14,15 Backing * RF almost closes to LF,
close to Closed LF:IE of B
1 -S DC without weight.
LF*

American Smooth 67
 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.

68 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz
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] [2] [3]

4 Left Turns (8 bars) 4 Rightl Turns (8 Bars) 1-3 of Left Turn
1 Left Closed Change 1 Right Closed Change 1 Back L Closed Change
3 Right Turns (6 Bars) 3 Left Turns (6 Bars) 4-6 of Right Turn
1 Right Closed Change 1 Left Closed Change 1 R closed Change
<Repeat> <Repeat>
[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

American Smooth 69
 Viennese Waltz

Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Rise e/o * turn 1/8 L through 1 &
1 1 LF Fwd Slt CBM Closed facing * HT
1 3
LOD
RF side
2 2 Sway L Closed * T Up
& slt fwd
End
LF close Up,
3 3 Sway L Closed Facing * TH
to RF L e/o 3
DC

70 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Rise e/o * turn 1/8 L through 1 &
1 1 RF back Slt cbm Closed backing * TH
1 3
LOD
LF side &
2 2 Sway R Closed * T Up
slt back
End
RF close Up,
3 3 Sway R Closed Backing * TH
to LF L e/o 3
DC

American Smooth 71
 Viennese Waltz

Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Rise e/o * turn 1/8 R through 1
1 1 RF Fwd Slt CBM Closed facing * HT
1 &3
DC
LF side &
2 2 Sway R Closed * T Up
slt fwd
End
RF close Up,
3 3 Sway R Closed Facing * TH
to LF L e/o 3
LOD

72 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
Rise e/o * turn 1/8 R through 1
1 1 LF back Slt cbm Closed backing * TH
1 &3
DC
RF side
2 2 & slt Sway L Closed * T Up
back
End
LF close Up,
3 3 Sway L Closed Backing * TH
to RF L e/o 3
LOD

American Smooth 73
 Viennese Waltz

Left Turn
Rhythm: 1 232 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Facing
1 1 LF fwd CBM Closed Com L HT Rise e/o 1
LOD
RF side
Backing ¼ L bet
2 2 & slt Sway L Closed T Up
Wall 1&2
back
LF cross
Backing ¼ L bet Up,
3 3 in front of Sway L Closed TH
LOD 2&3 L e/o 3
RF
RF Back Backing Rise e/o 4
4 2 CBM Closed Com L TH
& slt R LOD (NFR)
Slt more
Pointing
than 3/8
5 2 LF side Sway R Closed bet DW T Body rise BTL=Body Turns Less
L bet 4&5
& LOD
BTL
Slt less
than 1/8 Body
RF close Facing BCT= Body Completes
6 3 Sway R Closed L bet Flat Rise, L
to LF LOD Turn
5&6, e/o 6
BCT

74 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Left Turn
Rhythm: 1 232 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Backing Com turn R e/o 1
1 1 RF Back CBM Closed TH NFR=No Foot Rise
LOD L NFR
Slt more
Point
than 3/8
2 2 LF Side Sway R Closed bet DW T Body Rise
bet 1&2,
& LOD
BTL
Slt less
RF Body R
Facing than 1/8
3 3 closes to Sway R Closed Flat on3,
LOD bet 2&3,
LF L e/o 3
BCT
Facing
4 2 LF Fwd CBM Closed Com L HT R e/o 4
LOD
Backing 1/4 bet
5 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Up
Wall 4&5
LF close Backing ¼ bet Up,
6 3 Sway L Closed TH
to RF LOD 5&6 L e/o 6

American Smooth 75
 Viennese Waltz

Right Turn
Rhythm: 1 232 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Down 1/8 R
1 1 RF Fwd CBM Closed HT Rise e/o 1 Com Facing DC
LOD before 1
Backing ¼ R bet
2 2 LF Side Sway R Closed T Up
Center 1&2
RF close Backing 1/8 R bet Up,
3 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DC 2&3 L e/o 3
LF back
Backing 1/8 R bet
4 2 and Slt CBM Closed TH NFR e/o 4
LOD 3&4
side
Pointing 3/8 R bet
5 2 RF Side Sway L Closed T Body Rise
DC 4&5 BTL
Body
LF close Facing
6 3 Sway L Closed BCT Flat Rise,
to RF DC
L e/o 6

76 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Right Turn
Rhythm: 1 232 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
LF Back Backing 1/8 R
1 1 CBM Closed TH NFR e/o 1 Com Backing DC
& slt side LOD before 1
Point 3/8 R bet
2 2 RF side Sway L Closed T Body Rise
DC 1&2 BTL
Body
LF Close Facing
3 3 Sway L Closed BCT Flat Rise,
to RF DC
L e/o 3
Facing 1/8 R bet
4 2 RF fwd CBM Closed HT Rise e/o 4
LOD 3&4
Backing ¼ R bet
5 2 LF side Sway R Closed T Up
Center 4&5
RF close Backing 1/8 R bet Up,
6 3 Sway R Closed TH
to LF DC 5&6 L e/o 6

American Smooth 77
 Viennese Waltz

Backward Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
NFR * turn 1/8 L through 1 &
1 1 LF back Slt CBM Closed backing * TH
e/o 1 3
DC
RF side R side
2 2 & slt leading Closed * T Up
back Sway L
End
LF close Up,
3 3 Sway L Closed backing * TH
to RF L e/o 3
LOD

78 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Backward Left Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
1 1 RF Fwd Slt CBM Closed Facing * HT R e/o 1
3
DC
L Side
LF Side
2 2 leading Closed * T Up
& slt fwd
Sway R
End
RF close Up,
3 3 Sway R Closed Facing * TH
to LF L e/o 3
LOD

American Smooth 79
 Viennese Waltz

Backward Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Gentleman
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
NFR * turn 1/8 R through 1
1 1 RF back Slt CBM Closed backing * TH
e/o 1 &3
DW
L side
LF side &
2 2 leading Closed * T Up
slt back
Sway R
End
RF close Up,
3 3 Sway R Closed backing * TH
to RF L e/o 3
LOD

80 American Smooth
 Viennese Waltz

Backward Right Closed Change

Rhythm: 1 23 Lady
Rhythm

S Position Rise
Beat/

t Align- Foot
Turn & Description
e ment Work
p Foot Body Dance Fall
Com
* turn 1/8 L through 1 &
1 1 LF Fwd Slt CBM Closed Facing * HT R e/o 1
3
DW
L Side
RF Side
2 2 leading Closed * T Up
& slt fwd
Sway L
End
LF close Up,
3 3 Sway L Closed Facing * TH
to RF L e/o 3
LOD

American Smooth 81
 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.