Great dancers are not great because of their technique - they are great because of their passion

How we walk

It is often said that dancing is just the same as walking. The only difference is that dancing involves a pattern of steps in different directions, in time to music, with a partner.

To some extent this is true. When we walk forward naturally, the first part of our body that moves is our center—the pelvic area—with everything above the hips moving with it. Below the waist, the legs and feet subsequently swing into place to catch and support our weight. The result is your body moving dynamically onto a precise foot placement with a complete transfer of weight.

Whether we dance forward or backward, the action is the same, although some dances differ in the technique.

The Extension

In Slow Foxtrot for example, the body still starts to move first, but the leg and foot reach back before the weight change occurs. It is important to note that this leg extension is a result of backward momentum propelling the foot down the floor, rather than the foot reaching out independently.

The body drives this reach, producing a continuous backward body movement that releases the free leg. Only at the extent of the stride does the foot support the weight of the moving body. The continuation of this movement then allows the free leg to repeat the action.

The Grounded Effect

In Tango the body still starts to move back first, but the moving foot and leg stay underneath the body. This produces a marked difference: in Slow Foxtrot the body weight stays over the front foot as long as possible; in Tango the body weight is taken over the back foot as quickly as possible. Because there is no swing or glide, this ensures instant stability, a grounded posture, and the ability to stop or change direction at a split second’s notice.

Tracking

What do we mean by “tracking” in ballroom dancing? Tracking occurs both in relation to each foot, and in relation to the direction of travel.

In ballroom hold, the couple are very slightly offset, so each right foot will point between their partner’s feet, and the left foot will point towards the outside of their partner’s right foot. This offset position should not be exaggerated. If the couple were to look straight at each other in this position, rather than looking at each other’s nose, they should be looking at each other’s right ear.

When dancing forward or backward, each foot moves on its own straight line. As a couple, think of creating four parallel ski tracks, thus avoiding stepping on toes or kicking feet.

Next time you dance, consider whether your body always moves before your feet, and if your feet really travel in the required direction and on the correct line.

Corta Jaca Dance

Website last updated August 29th 2026

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