Hesitation Change

Waltz Hesitation Change

The Waltz Hesitation Change is a Bronze level 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 | Facing DW | HT | Start to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | Start to rise e/o 1

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

  3. Count 3: 3 | RF closes to LF | Backing LOD | TH | 1/8 between 2-3 | Sway(R) | Lower e/o 3

  4. Count 1: LF back | Backing LOD | H | Start to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | --

  5. Count 2: RF to side small step (Heel Pull) | Facing DC | IE of foot, whole foot | 3/8 between 4-5 | Sway(L) | --

  6. Count 3: LF closes to RF without weight | Facing DC | IE of toe (LF) | -- | Sway(L) | --

Note:

    • When danced at a corner, 1/8 or 1/4 turn could be made between 4-5.

Follower

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

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

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

  4. Count 1: RF fwd | Facing LOD | HT | start to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | --

    • Drive. Do not cross Man's tie line.

    • Keep knees very soft, try not to pop up and rise quickly. Keep action down into the legs.

  5. Count 2: LF to side | Backing DC | TH | 3/8 between 4-5 | Sway(R) | --

    • Stay left to Man. Knees soft, compressed.

    • 3 ways of doing shaping:

      • No shaping: flat shoulder

      • Shape to L, recover on 3 (some people do this)

      • Shape to R, recover on 3 (still stay on Man's R side) - This is preferred.

    • Do not pop up. Body rise only, no foot rise. Heel down. Stay low. Stretch and extend.

  6. Count 3: RF closes to LF without weight | Backing DC | IE of Toe (RF) | Sway(R) |

    • Settle (recover from shaping)

Preceding Figures

  1. Back Lock

  2. Basic Weave

  3. Chasse From Promenade Position

  4. Closed Change LF

  5. Natural Turn

  6. Outside Change

  7. Progressive Chasse To R

Following Figures

  1. Drag Hesitation

  2. Reverse Turn (normal; or to back DW then Basic Weave when Hesitation Change ends facing new LOD)

  3. Double Reverse Spin

  4. Progressive Chasse To R

  5. Closed Change LF (when facing DW of new LOD)

  6. Whisk

  7. Closed Telemark

  8. Open Telemark

  9. Fallaway Reverse And Slip Pivot

  10. Contra Check (at corner)