5. Promenade

The promenade position is defined as a "V"-shaped dance position whereby the man and lady travel in the same direction, toward the open end of the "V". (See picture).

In this, the most basic form or Foxtrot Promenade, both man and lady take two walks forward in promenade position to the count of SS, and then turn to face each other in closed position to finish with a chasse, counted QQ. This figure can be repeated as desired.

The most notable aspect of Promenade is the fact that the direction of travel, the alignment of the body, and the alignment of the feet are all different. Although the position is described as a "V"-shape, this is really only a description of the turning open of the feet and lower body. The upper body should remain facing partner so that the man's and lady's top-line remain parallel. The heads should turn to look into the direction of travel, which is towards the dancers' open sides.

For example, if the Promenade is to travel down line of dance, the man's feet should be turned towards diagonal wall while the lady's feet point to diagonal center. However, the man's upper body should remian facing wall, while the lady's upper body remains facing center. All the while, the heads should turn to look towards the direction of travel, which is straight down line of dance.

In addition to traveling down line of dance, the Promenade may also travel towards diagonal center or diagonal wall. Any other alignment would be less desirable, as it would cause the dancers to interrupt the natural flow of traffic around the dance floor.

Promenade has many variations on the amount of turn for the entry and exit. On entry, man and lady can each turn 1/8 as described in the technical breakdown, or one partner may turn 1/4, with the other partner not turning at all. The same is true of the exit: Man and lady can each turn 1/8 to end facing each other, or as an alternative ending, one partner may turn 1/4 while the other does not turn at all. If the lady turns to face the man, the Promenade would be followed by a forward movement such as the Basic Step. If the man turns to face the lady, the Promenade would be followed by a backwards movement, such as the Back Basic.