American Waltz – Left Box and Reverse Turn

Learn how to dance the left box turn or reverse turn in American Waltz.

How to dance the Waltz Left Box or Reverse Turn

Alignment

This step can start facing down line of dance which is common for beginner dancers. As you learn how to create more turn you will do the reverse turn which starts facing diagonal center.

Timing

The timing for the left box turn is 1-2-3, 4-5-6.

Leader’s Footwork:

• Front Half of Box Step: Left foot forward, Right foot to the side and then close the left foot to the right foot and change weight. (count 1 – 2 – 3)
• Back Half of Box Step: Right foot back, Left foot to the side and then close the right foot to the left foot and change weight. (count 4 – 5 – 6)

Follower’s Footwork:

• Back Half of Box Step: Right foot back, Left foot to teh side and then close the right foot to the left foot and change weight (count 1 – 2 – 3)
• Front Half of Box Step: Left foot forward, Right foot to the side and then close the left foot to the right foot and change weight. (count 4 – 5 – 6)

Left box vs Reverse Turn

The left box is the basic step in waltz. This step can be done with or without turn. As you develop your Waltz you will begin to turn this step. Initially it will turn 1/4 of a turn and it will take 4 measures to start progressing down line of dance again. A reverse turn will turn 3/4 with each measure and only takes 2 measures to complete.

Waltz Technique

Heel leads

When taking a step forward you want to make sure that you are using a heel lead. 

Rise and Fall

Waltz is a dynamic dance that uses rise and fall. On step 1 we begin to rise. On step 2 you will finish rising and will reach the peak. Step 2 is generally on the ball of the foot. Finally with step 3 you will lower and prepare to move again for the next step.

Check out these other American Waltz Bronze Steps

• Right Box / Natural Turn
• Progressive Change Step
• Lady’s Underarm Turn to Right
• Hesitation Steps
• 5th Position Breaks
• Closed Twinkle
• Cross Body Lead
• Natural Spin Turn
• Forward Twist to Left from Promenade
• Syncopated Chasse
• Grapevine
• In and Out Change Steps/ Butterfly

Check out these other American Smooth Dances

• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz