Forward Changes O.P. are a series of Waltz Forward Changes where the forward step of each Change is taken outside partner. Each Forward Change turns 1/4 to the right or left to shift the lady from left to right side position or vice-versa. The resulting line of movement is a zig-zag down line of dance, shifting back and forth from diagonal wall to diagonal center.

This figure is written as a 4-measure sequence, whereby measures 2 and 3 are the Forward Changes O.P. themselves. These two measures can be repeated as desired. Measures 1 and 4 represent the entry and exit.

Entry
Measure 1 (steps 1-3) is a Forward Change that begins in-line (as the previous figure has most likely ended) and turns to the left to set up the outside partner position for the next Forward Change O.P.

The entry, as shown, begins facing line of dance and turns 1/8 to left. Alternative alignments and amounts of turn are:

• Begin facing diagonal wall, turning 1/4 to left over 1-3.
• Begin facing wall, turning 3/8 over 1-3 to end facing diagonal center.

Exit

Measure 4 (steps 10-12) is a Forward Change that begins O.P. and does not turn, resolving back to a normal in-line position.

The exit can turn up to 1/8 to end facing line of dance, and still resolve to an in-line position.

The entry and exit used in measures 1 and 4 represent the most basic method for achieving and then resolving the outside partner position, however other possibilities exist. For a complete list of preceding and following figures, click on the appropriate tab above.

In addition to the sequence outlined in the man's and lady's parts, an alternative version can be used, which represents a sort of "mirror image" of the original. In this variation, the man would begin with a RF Forward Closed Change to transition from in-line to outside partner position. He could then dance a sequence of LF and RF Forward Changes O.P., to finish with a Forward Change with no turn (or up to 1/8) to resolve back to in-line position.