3b. Closed Backward Changes

In simplest of terms, a Closed Change is a figure consisting of three steps, which resembles one half of a Left or Right Box Turn. The Closed Backward Change is so named because the man steps back on count 1.

A Closed Backward Change is the reverse of the Forward Closed Change, but serves similar purposes. Because the man moves backwards, they should generally only be used when he is backing the line of dance (or aligned to a direction such as backing diagonal wall or backing diagonal center, whereby his overall progression is in the general direction of line of dance).

* Note that although the man's and lady's charts describe the LF and RF Backward Closed Changes together in succession, each Closed Change can be isolated and danced individually.

When used as a link between two Box Turns, the Closed Backward Change will be danced after the first half (i.e. steps 1-3) of the Box Turn. For example, after steps 1-3 of a Left Box Turn, the man's right foot will be free to step back. At this point, instead of finishing steps 4-6 of the Left Box, he can instead dance a Right Foot Closed Backward Change, to be followed by steps 4-6 of the Right Box Turn. Likewise, 1-3 of Right Box Turn can be followed by a Left Foot Closed Backward Change, and then 4-6 Left Box Turn.