The just-studied Balance Left and Balance Right give side balances. Now, Balance Forward (this lesson) and Balance Back (next lesson) give balances that move forward and back.

Remember that cues are always directed to the man. The woman needs to adjust accordingly, based on the current position. For example, if a couple is in Closed Position and the cue is ‘Balance Forward’, then the man balances forward, but the woman balances back.

The second beat of any balance (left/right/forward/back) is typically done on the ball of the foot (the front part), which gives a gentle body rise.

Balance Forward can start with either foot free. Below, it is illustrated with the man’s lead foot free. Regardless of the starting foot, the motions (for the man) are: Forward, Close (on ball of foot), and In Place.

Why is it called a balance? In Beats 2 and 3, the dancer stays essentially in one place, and just transfers weight from foot to foot. This transfer of weight feels like a graceful balancing action.

In this figure, the Roundalab Standards and the way people usually dance it differ slightly:

• Roundalab Standards define the second step as a Close. This places the moving foot in Beat 2 directly beside the supporting foot.
• Most dancers, however, allow the moving foot in Beat 2 to pass slightly beyond the supporting foot. The step is still taken on the ball of the foot.

The summary diagrams below compare these two approaches.