Natural Turn

Waltz Natural Turn

The Natural Turn is a Newcomer figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, footwork, alignment, and movement; steps diagram; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader

1. Count 1: RF fwd | FDW | HT | Starts to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | Start to rise at end of 1

   • Man starts to turn frame (CBM) as step begins, "opening the door" to allow him to pass the follower. (i.e. rotate frame 1/8 to the right.) 1/8 is about the max that is comfortable.

   • Man drives, big step, to get through partner.

2. Count 2: LF to side | DC | T | 1/4 between 1 and 2 | Sway(R) | Cont to rise on 2 and 3

   • Though written as side step, Man actually starts by pointing LF straight forward, then as you push off RF, turning the body as well, it ends up being a side step. Continue turning on next step to end BLOD.

3. Count 3: RF closes to LF | LOD | TH | 1/8 between 2 and 3 | Sway(R) | Lower at end of 3

   • Do not lower too early.

4. Count 1: LF back | BLOD | TH | Starts to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | Start to rise e/o 4, NFR

   • The leader starts to turn his frame right (CBM) to allow follower to pass

5. Count 2: RF to side | PDC | T | 3/8 between 4 and 5, body turns less | Sway(L) | Cont to rise on 5 and 6

6. Count 3: LF closes to RF | FDC | TH | body completes turn | Sway(L) | Lower e/o 6

Follower

1. Count 1: LF back | BDW | TH | starts to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | Start to rise e/o 1, NFR

   • Do not move weight off too quickly, Relax R hip to prepare.

   • On inside turn, smaller step. LF turned in.

   • At the end of 1, LF and hip turns, leaving body with partner, hip separated from upper body, RF tracks under body before stepping to side and PLOD.

   • The turning of the fame continues (CBM) at the end of 1 to allow Man to pass through.

2. Count 2: RF to side | PLOD | T | 3/8 between 1 and 2, body turns less | Sway(L) | Cont to rise on 2 and 3

   • Opening out to let Man through.

   • Timing of the turn of the upper body needs to be a littler smoother and earlier.

   • Very important to keep upper body very left to Man, otherwise, Lady's body will block him.

   • Keep head position, turn body underneath, which will create bigger extension.

   • Body has a strong diagonal now. Do not allow R shoulder to turn to R, R side positive.

   • Swing hip "forward", then body will catch up in step 3. Use the hip, banking a bit to the side (angle the hip a bit) to help slow movement/redirect, and not overshoot.

   • Try not to produce shape too early. Move partial weight onto RF (bent R knee at this time), Not trying to balance solely on RF, there is a bit pressure on LF. Then pressure RF into the floor, working up into the shape (straightening R leg and stretching the R side).

3. Count 3: LF closes to RF | LOD | TH | body completes turn | Sway(L) | Lower e/o 3

   • Keep the feet with pressure on the ground in order to maintain balance on your toes when you collect on 3.

   • Then body starts catching up, then collect and close LF to RF. Settle to normal position and "sit", hips underneath, free to move again.

   • Do not try to shape back early. Body should feel it's poised forward.

   • Lady's R hip is high (sway), hip is also rotated (relative to feet), L hip behind, this is the wind up. for next 1.

   • The power for movement on next 1 comes from the end of 3, lowering into L heel and then pushing off on standing leg. Use the circular movement action. It may feel like moving 'away' from partner when working moving weight onto L heel.

4. Count 1: RF fwd | LOD | HT | starts to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | Start to rise e/o 4

   • Shoulder connects down to hip joints, release the joints, then drive the spine (move weight from heel to center to ball of LF and then push to step RF fwd)

   • Do not dance the body forward too quickly. Or dance the legs too quickly.

   • Really drive, bigger step (for person on the outside of the turn)

5. Count 2: LF to side | FW | T | 1/4 between 4 and 5 | Sway(R) | cont to rise on 5 and 6

   • Though written as side step, Lady actually starts by pointing LF straight forward, then as you push off RF, turning the body as well, it ends up being a side step.

   • LF tracks under body, passing through RF/ankle before pushing off RF to step LF to side. Big step.

6. Count 3: RF closes to LF | BDC | TH | 1/8 between 5 and 6 | Sway(S) | Lower e/o 6

   • Circular movement action. In this case, next step is backward, moving weight onto front ball of RF, then to center, then heel. It may feel like moving 'into' partner.

Technique Notes

• • Keep posture: adjust step size, follower always stays on leader's right side

Preceding Figures

1. Back Lock

2. Basic Weave

3. Chasse From Promenade Position

4. Closed Change LF

5. Closed Telemark

6. Cross Hesitation

7. Drag Hesitation

8. Natural Turn

9. Outside Change

10. Outside Spin

11. Progressive Chasse To R

12. Reverse Corte

13. Turning Lock

14. Weave From Promenade Position

Following Figures

1. Closed Change RF

2. Natural Spin Turn (at corner)

3. Natural Turn (at corner; or Natural Turn can be followed by 1-3 of Natural Turn to end backing center, then followed by Outside Change turning 1/8 to L)

4. Hesitation Change (at corner)

5. Closed Impetus (after 1-3)

6. Open Impetus (after 1-3)

7. Outside Change (after 1-3, ending BDC, either underturned, or commenced LOD)

8. Fallaway Whisk (after 1-3 Natural Turn)

9. Back Whisk (after 1-3 Natural Turn)