So you’ve nailed the box step and can waltz without counting aloud—congrats! Now it’s time to level up your ballroom game. Transitioning from beginner to intermediate means adding flair, precision, and versatility to your repertoire. Here are the must-learn steps that’ll make you shine on the dance floor.
1. The Whisk (Waltz & Foxtrot)
This elegant traveling step adds sophistication to your waltz and foxtrot. The secret? That crossed foot behind! Practice with slow music to master the 1-2-3 timing and weight transfer.
2. Open Telemark (Tango)
The dramatic pivot that makes tango so captivating. Work on sharp head snaps and maintaining connection with your partner through the rotation. Bonus: It sets you up for gorgeous fan positions.
3. Chase (Cha-Cha)
Time to play with space! This intermediate cha-cha step involves playful "chasing" movements with syncopated timing. Perfect for showing off your Cuban motion and hip action.
2025 Trend Alert: Contemporary cha-cha mixes often feature exaggerated chase movements for TikTok-worthy moments.
4. Fallaway (Rumba & Waltz)
This romantic backward step creates beautiful flowing lines. Focus on controlled momentum—many intermediates rush the recovery. Pro couples add breath-taking arm styling here.
5. Hover Corte (Foxtrot)
The ultimate test of control. That suspended moment when you hover before the corte separates intermediates from beginners. Drift across the floor like you’re on air!
Your 15-Minute Daily Drill
- Footwork isolation: Practice whisk footwork without a partner (3 min)
- Pivot training: Do telemark pivots along a straight line (2 min)
- Timing exercise: Chase steps to cha-cha music at 50% speed (3 min)
- Frame work: Practice fallaway with a chair as "partner" (3 min)
- Balance challenge: Hold hover positions (4 min)
Remember: Intermediate dancing isn’t about complexity—it’s about quality of movement. These steps will unlock dozens of combinations while improving your technique across all dances. Which step are you most excited to try? (We’re partial to that dramatic open telemark ourselves!)
