Westminster Waltz

A stately waltz of upright carriage and long edges, moving from Kilian to reversed Kilian and through swing rockers, counters and several changes of hold.

Not checked yet. The mechanics on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.

The dance

Waltz in 3/4, 162 beats a minute. The hold is Kilian, then reversed Kilian from step 6, closed at step 10b, open from step 11, closed from step 16, reversed Kilian at step 21, changing sides into Kilian on step 22. The partners skate different steps. 24 steps and 78 beats to one pattern.

The steps are in the rulebook's own notation: foot, direction and edge, with Pr for a progressive, Ch for a chassé, SwR for a swing roll, XB and XF for a cross step behind or in front, 3 for a three turn, CSt and SSt for C and S steps, Op for open and Cl for closed. From the step chart in US Figure Skating's 2026-27 rulebook.

The Westminster Waltz is stately, and US Figure Skating asks for an upright stance that never breaks at the waist, with strong edges and softly flowing knees. It begins in Kilian hold, and an inside open C step on steps 5 and 6 brings both partners round individually so they finish in reversed Kilian.

The rulebook singles out step 13, where the follow partner holds a swing for six beats before an inside forward rocker while the lead partner turns a forward outside counter on the same count, hip to hip. Later the follow partner turns a three towards the lead partner’s shoulder and is guided across in front on the final swing roll, ending in Kilian hold for the restart.

The Westminster Waltz is not on the British Ice Skating national pattern dance lists. US Figure Skating tests it at Gold.

Appears in