The promenade position is defined as a "V"-shaped dance position where 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 "slow, slow", and then turn to face each other in closed position to finish with a chasse, counted "quick, quick".

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 turn to look into the direction of travel, which is towards the open side of the v-shape.

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

In addition to traveling along line of dance, the Promenade can also travel toward diagonal center or diagonal wall. In rare instances it might also travel directly toward center, although care should be taken to avoid crossing the path of other dancers. 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.

The Promenade can be repeated as desired as written in the technical charts, with man and lady each turning 1/8 to promenade position on entry, and 1/8 to return to closed position upon finishing. However, a simpler and more desirable method for repeating Promenade is to remain in promenade position while taking the chassé, eliminating the need for so many changes of position.