The just-studied Waltz Box and Waltz Reverse Box start by moving forward/back. Balance Left instead starts to the left side (for the man).
Remember that cues are always directed to the man. The woman must adjust accordingly, based on the current position. For example, if a couple is in Closed Position and the cue is ‘Balance Left’, then the man balances left, but the woman balances right.
A cuer is a person who prompts round dancers by giving them information about how they should move. Women have to work a bit harder than men when listening to the cuer, since they’re often ‘reversing’ what they hear! For example, they may hear left but actually move right. Or, they may hear forward but actually move backwards. Rest assured—it gets easier, the more you do it!
Why is ‘Balance Left’ called a balance? From Step 2 (Cross in Back) to Step 3 (In Place), the dancer merely transfers weight from one foot to the other. This transfer of weight feels like a graceful balancing action.
The ball of the foot is the padded area just behind your toes. In any balance, the foot that takes weight in Step 2 lands on the ball of the foot. Also, when you land on the ball of the foot, you can push off lightly to get a gentle rising motion. Watch for this in the video clips below!
Notes
- Balance Left must begin with moving the left foot (for the man). If the cuer says ‘Balance Left’ when man’s right foot is free, then something is amiss!
- ‘In Place’ means that a foot takes weight, but doesn’t move from its current position.
- The basic action for any side balance (left or right) is always: Side, Cross In Back, In Place.
- Balance Left and Balance Right are commonly cued together as Balance Left and Right.