1. Count Together, Waltz Together
Doing the waltz left and right turn steps can get a big tricky for beginners, so it's best not to attempt it for the first time on a crowded dance floor. Visualize what you are going to be doing in your dance steps; you're going to turn, so keep that in mind.
2. Refresh Your Basic Waltz Steps, Before Moving in to the Turning Steps
Practice your basic waltz steps before you add turns. Your counts are going to remain the same with turns as they are in the basic waltz dance steps being one, two, three and two, two, three one , two, three and one, two, 3. There are six dance counts to a basic waltz dance movement. Start the turning portion of your basic waltz with only small or slight turn movement to begin with. It's up to the lead partner or the man to guide the partner in the direction he chooses to turn. The lady or following partner will follow his lead. For a left turn, the man steps out forward on his left foot and ever so slightly turning to the left (count one). In doing this first step, he shifts his body and arms to direct or guide his partner into knowing that they are going to be making a turn to the left. He now steps forward with his right foot and a little more turn to the left (count two). He pulls in his left foot with a slight twist in the left direction to be beside the right foot (count three). He will keep moving in the left direction with his body leading as he steps out on his right foot (count one), use his left foot to step out and turning to the left (Count 2) and pulling his right foot closer to the left ending his turn on the final count (count 3). The couple keeps doing this over and over.
3. The Lead Dancer Signals His Partner as to Whether It's a Left of Right Turn
The waltz with a right turn is just the same as the left turn with the exception of the first step the man takes. On that first step of the waltz, the man will step out on his left foot and with his body and arms directs his partner that he will be making a right turn. Waltzing with left and right turns adds dimension and variety to the waltz performance, which after the basic waltz is mastered is easy to incorporate into your waltz.
