Dear Coach,

I have taken Ballroom lessons for sometime and I still have problems balancing when I rise up on my toes when dancing the Waltz.  Do you have a solution for this problem?

Signed, C. Chang, Portland, Oregon

Dear C. Chang,

I will answer that question later, but first I would like to explain what is actually meant by the terminology of rise and fall, in regards to the raising and lowering of your ankles while dancing the Waltz.  This explanation is considerably different than the assumptions of most students and many instructors.

Rise is a physical action created by the stretching of ankles, and it should be a slow rise.

The terminology of fall leads one to believe that you lower from your toes in a dropping action.  A easier term to understand is a lowering action.  Remember the ISTD Syllabus says to commence to rise at the end of one.  It does not say to rise on 1.  It further says continue to rise on 2 and 3.  This means you are not up on 2 and 3, but that you are continuing to rise slowly on the 2nd and 3rd beats.  It says lower at the end of 3, it does not say fall at the end of 3.  The magic word is : continue to slowly rise, for better control and balance.

Now, I would like to answer your original question. 

The explanation above of rise and fall (lowering action) will solve some of your problems.  Another possible solution to balance problems is to apply pressure to the floor with the closing foot.  (Remember the closing foot is the controlling foot.)

On side steps, do not step on the ball of your foot…this will cause you to roll to the outside edge of your foot and thus loose your balance.  The solution for this problem is to point inside edge of toe of your side step, by the time your closing foot closes to the side step.  You will be on the ball of your feet not rolling to the outside of your foot, but balanced on both toes, not just one toe or foot.

Another balance problem is created when closing your feet.  Unlike the Foxtrot, when closing your feet in Waltz your feet should be closed in a slight V shape and you should be applying pressure from the inside edge of your heels all the way up the inside of your legs.  This creates a balance that allows you to stand on the ball of your feet, which gives you more control.  Think of this as a tripod without the third leg. 

I recommend that you strengthen your ankles with ankle and thigh dance exercises and practice the rising and lowering techniques in slow motion, steadying yourself on a ballet bar, a heavy chair or holding onto the edge of your kitchen counter.

Remember, the pros do not hyper-extend their ankles, rather they give an allusion of rise through sway techniques.  Professional dancers strive to never allow their bodies to be off-balance.  They use techniques that cause the audience to think they are rising higher by rising slower and adding sway to their body shape.