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

Step	Timing	Movement	Alignment	Footwork	Turn	Sway	CBM	Rise & Fall	Notes
1	1	RF fwd	FDW	HT	Starts to turn R	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	2	LF to side	BDC	T	1/4 between 1 and 2	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	3	RF closes to LF	BLOD	TH	1/8 between 2 and 3	R		Lower at end of 3	Do not lower too early.
4	1	LF back	BLOD	TH	Starts to turn R	S	CBM	Start to rise e/o 4, NFR	The leader starts to turn his frame right (CBM) to allow follower to pass
5	2	RF to side	PDC	T	3/8 between 4 and 5, body turns less	L		Cont to rise on 5 and 6
6	3	LF closes to RF	FDC	TH	body completes turn	L		Lower e/o 6

Follower

Step	Timing	Movement	Alignment	Footwork	Turn	Sway	CBM	Rise & Fall	Notes
1	1	LF back	BDW	TH	starts to turn R	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	2	RF to side	PLOD	T	3/8 between 1 and 2, body turns less	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. * Try not to produce shape too early
3	3	LF closes to RF	LOD	TH	body completes turn	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 and then pushing off on standing leg.
4	1	RF fwd	LOD	HT	starts to turn R	S	CBM	Start to rise e/o 4	* Shoulder connects down to hip joints, release the joints, then drive the spine. * 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	2	LF to side	FW	T	1/4 between 4 and 5	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	3	RF closes to LF	BDC	TH	1/8 between 5 and 6	R		Lower e/o 6

Technique notes

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