The Hesitation Change is a simple figure of 6 steps, a minor variation on the basic Waltz Natural Turn (fig. #2). The first three steps are actually identical to those of the Natural Turn; It is the next 3 steps that set it apart.

In Waltz, a Hesitation is defined as an action where fewer than three weight changes are taken in a measure. This necessitates a slowing of the bodies, and results in the appearance of the dancers "hesitating". In the American style syllabus, a Hesitation is typically one weight change per measure. But in the International Waltz, the Hesitation Change -- the only Hesitation to appear in the bronze syllabus -- has two weight changes over steps 5 and 6. The last step is simply a superficial closing of the feet, without weight.

Notable in this figure is the man's heel pull action over steps 5-6. Like a heel turn, a heel pull is an action where turn is made over the heel of the supporting foot. However, whereas on the heel turn, the body momentarily pauses over the foot to execute the turn, on a heel pull the weight is moved more continuously across the foot, and then slightly beyond. This causes the next step to be a small step to the side. The turn is executed entirely between these two steps for both man and lady. The man does not need to "turn less" with the the body in this case, as his side step is small enough that the lady can easily turn around him all at once.

The heel pull is an action taken without any rise. This helps the dancers "put on the brakes", eliminating body flight and allowing them to slow down for the hesitation.

The heel pull in the Hesitation Change begins backing line of dance, with the man stepping back on his left foot, then side on his right. The lady's part is the natural opposte. When the feet close without weight on the last step, they will have turned 3/8 to right, with man now facing (lady backing) diagonal center, ready to execute a reverse turing action, such as the basic Reverse Turn, Double Reverse Spin, or Progressive Chassé to Right.