IDTA Technique Of Ballroom Dancing – The Waltz & Basic Principles (2 Videos)

IDTA Technique of Ballroom Dancing – The Waltz & Basic Principles is an official instructional video based on the IDTA Technique of Ballroom Dancing by Guy Howard. Presented by David Sycamore and Denise Weavers—five-time World and European 10-Dance Champions—the program provides a comprehensive visual guide to the official International Standard Waltz syllabus, translating the renowned technique book into practical demonstrations.

Designed for dancers, instructors, and IDTA examination candidates, the course presents the complete Waltz syllabus together with the technical principles required for accurate execution. Beyond demonstrating each figure, the instruction focuses on posture, body alignment, timing, swing, rotation, rise and fall, and partner connection, helping dancers understand the mechanics behind every movement.

The program also explores essential ballroom fundamentals including ballroom hold, promenade and fallaway positions, walking actions, heel turns, pivoting technique, and movement control. Several syllabus figures receive additional technical analysis, allowing dancers to refine their technique and develop greater consistency for examinations, coaching, and competition.

With approximately 105 minutes of instruction, this video is an excellent technical reference for anyone studying or teaching International Standard Waltz using the official IDTA syllabus.

Main Demonstration
Waltz Figures

1. LF Closed Change
2. RF Closed Change
3. Natural Turn
4. Reverse Turn
5. Whisk
6. Chasse from Promenade Position
7. Natural Spin Turn, Underturned Natural Spin Turn
8. Natural Turn with Hesitation
9. Reverse Corte
10. Back Whisk
11. Outside Change
12. Weave in Waltz Time
13. Closed Telemark, Open Telemark
14. Open Telemark followed by Wing
15. Open Telemark followed by Cross Hesitation
16. Open Impetus Turn
17. Open Impetus Turn followed by Wing
18. Open Impetus Turn followed by Cross Hesitation
19. Open Impetus Turn followed by Weave
20. Whisk followed by Weave
21. Underturned Outside Spin
22. Turning Lock to Left
23. Reverse Pivot
24. Progressive Chasse to Right
25. Backward Lock Step (Man)
26. Forward Lock Step (Lady)
27. Double Reverse Spin
28. Outside Spin
29. Turning Lock to Right
30. Left Whisk
31. Fallaway Natural Turn
32. Running Spin Turn
33. Closed Wing
34. Contra Check

Waltz Basic Principles

1. The Ballroom Hold
2. Hold in Promenade Position
3. Hold in Fallaway Position
4. Forward Walk
5. Backward Walk
6. Closed Turn
7. Open Turn
8. Heel Turn
9. Heel Turn as Lady
10. Heel Pull
11. Brush Step as Lady (Step 5 Natural Spin Turn)
12. Natural Pivot as Man (Step 4 Natural Spin Turn)
13. Pivoting Action as Lady (Step 4 Natural Spin Turn)

Waltz Figures in more Detail

1. Whisk followed by Chasse from PP
2. Natural Spin Turn
3. Steps 4-9 Open Impetus Turn followed by Weave
4. Double Reverse Spin
5. Running Spin Turn