Sur Place is a series of consecutive "marching" steps taken in place, each step taking one beat of music. It is normally danced in closed or semi-closed hold, and can be taken with or without turn.

Steps are normally taken with strong pressure on the balls of the feet, although the actual amount of elevation is variable. One can dance lowered, with heels nearly touching the floor, high on the balls of the feet, or gradually rising or lowering.

On each step, the free foot should not be lifted high off the floor or suspended for any measurable length of time; Rather, it should be lifted barely above the floor and immediately replaced with pressure into the ball of the foot at the beginning of the beat. The remainder of the beat will be spent with both feet in contact with the floor.

When turning Sur Place to the left or right, one partner will take steps turning in place while the other partner dances a small chasse around the outside of turn.

Turning Sur Place can be taken with or without shape. The preferred shape for turning to the left is promenade, and to the right is counter-promenade (see video examples).