In simple terms, the Natural Turn is a basic figure consisting of six steps that turns to the right and progresses generally down line of dance. Most of the ballroom dances have a figure called a Natural Turn, each one having its own unique character based on the music, the actions involved, the amount of turn, the rise and fall, and so forth. The Natural Turn of Foxtrot is notable for its elongated, passing steps and its distinct two halves. The first half contains a lady's heel turn, and is taken with the normal rise and fall and "Slow, quick quick" timing. The second half contains a man's heel pull action, having no rise and fall, and is counted "Slow, slow, slow".

The first half of the Natural Turn begins with the man facing diagonal wall. He steps forward with the right foot, side with the left, then back with the right, turning 3/8 to right to end backing line of dance. The lady begins backing diagonal wall and steps back with her left foot, closing her right foot to her left to dance a heel turn, and finishing with a forward step on her left foot in line with the man, having turned 3/8 to right to end facing line of dance.

The second half of the Natural Turn begins with man stepping back on the left foot, then a small step to the side with his right in an action known as a heel pull. His final step is a forward walk on his right foot, in line with the lady, having turned 3/8 to right to end facing diagonal center. The lady begins forward on the right foot, side on the left, and back on the right, turning 3/8 to right to end backing diagonal center. There is no rise during the second half of the figure.

Please note that the following figure will begin with man and lady remaining inline.

It is also possible to begin the Natural Turn with man facing the line of dance, taking 1/2 turn to right over the first 3 steps to end backing the line of dance. This practice is less common now than in the past, but it provides an interesting variation to use on occasion. This can be achieved either by beginning the preceding Three Step with man facing line of dance, or beginning facing diagonal wall and turning the Three Step 1/8 to left.

The Natural Turn can also be danced in full in the corner of the room, as it will end moving toward diagonal wall of the new line of dance. At the bronze level, it could then be followed by either another Natural Turn, or a Natural Weave. Alternatively, the Natural Turn can be underturned at a corner to end moving either down the new line of dance or even diagonal center, and followed by a Feather Step (first step taken inline, as normal). Probably the most popular use of the Natural Turn at a corner, however, is to dance only the first 3 steps, following with a Closed Impetus.