Ballroom Dancing (11th Edition) | Alex Moore

Discover one of the most comprehensive guides to International Style Ballroom Dancing with Ballroom Dancing, Eleventh Edition by Alex Moore. Updated for modern ballroom practice and competition rules, this classic manual combines fundamental instruction with detailed technical material for dancers, teachers, competitors, and adjudicators. 2

The book covers the five principal Ballroom dances — Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz — progressing from essential foundations to detailed figures and advanced technical concepts. Step diagrams are presented from both Leader and Follower perspectives, supported by photographs and technical explanations. 5 2

What You’ll Learn

The manual goes beyond simply showing dance figures. Its introductory material explains how dancers should approach hold, poise, balance, the Walk, footwork, alignment, movement and technical charts, making the book useful from beginner study through more serious technical training. 9 intro

Quickstep

Learn the lively character and fundamental technique of Quickstep, beginning with the Walk and Chassé and progressing through figures such as Quarter Turns, Natural Turn, Forward Lock Step and Reverse Turns. Technical descriptions include rhythm, footwork, rise and fall, body sway, CBM and amount of turn. 10 quickstep 10 quickstep

Waltz

Develop the smooth swing and flowing quality of the Waltz through detailed study of CBM, knee action, Rise and Fall and Body Sway. Figures include Closed Changes, Natural and Reverse Turns, Natural Spin Turn, Whisk, Double Reverse Spin, Open Telemark, Wing, Outside Spin, Turning Lock and more. 11 waltz

Foxtrot

Explore the long, gliding movement that defines Foxtrot. The book covers essential figures including Feather, Three Step, Natural and Reverse Turns, Telemarks, Reverse Wave, Weaves, Hover figures, Outside Swivel and Natural Twist Turn, with particular attention to balance, control and continuous movement. 12 foxtrot

Tango

Study the distinctive style, character and staccato action of Ballroom Tango. The chapter covers the Walk, Progressive Side Step, Progressive Link, Promenades, Rock Turn, Reverse Turns, Natural Twist Turn, Four Step, Outside Swivel and other established figures, together with detailed discussion of Tango timing and technique. 13 tango 13 tango

Viennese Waltz

Master the speed and rotational character of Viennese Waltz through Natural and Reverse Turns, Forward and Backward Changes, Natural and Reverse Fleckerls, and the Check from Reverse to Natural Fleckerl. The technical charts also address footwork, sway, CBM, Rise and Fall and figure connections. 15 v waltz

More Than a Syllabus Manual

One of the strengths of this edition is that it does not stop with individual dance figures. For the Keen Dancer discusses Medal Tests and the transition toward competition dancing, emphasizing correct footwork, upright poise, correct hold and controlled interpretation of standard figures. 16 for

The final section even includes Ballroom Party Dances, with traditional social formats such as the Paul Jones, Mixer Dance, “Excuse Me” Dance and Spot Dance.