Good morning!
I have just found your website and am truly impressed by the information contained therein.
My husband and myself have just started ballroom dancing classes and manage to forget most of what we've learnt by the time we arrive back home! However, your website shows exactly what to do step-by-step BUT could you please tell me what CBMP stands for as it is in both the Quick Step and Fox Trot "Right foot forward in CBMP" and although it is probably so simple (and I've looked at the abbreviations list without success) I would be very pleased if you could let me know what this stands for.
Thanking you
Esme Nielsen

Hi! It stands for Contra Body Movement Position. On this website you can find its definition (and those of other terms) on: https://www.ballroomdancers.com/Learning_Center/Glossary/Default.asp?Letter=C

Let me add a word of caution about the terminology.
Much of it may have more complex meaning than is implied by the printed word. CBMP is one.

May I suggest that you seek an expert
opinion on its practical application.

"BUT could you please tell me what CBMP stands for as it is in both the Quick Step and Fox Trot "Right foot forward in CBMP" and although it is probably so simple (and I've looked at the abbreviations list without success) I would be very pleased if you could let me know what this stands for."

Leaving aside the literal meaning, the practical implication of the term is that when you take these steps, which are generally the ones outside partner, your moving leg will need to swing diagonally across your body as it moves.

We call the position where it lands somewhat to the other side of the body "contra body movement position".

You see.. this is why these types of responses can be very dangerous to the
beginning student.

You can't make sense of CBMP until you have got the hang of CBM, because CBMP is:

"The placing of the stepping foot, forward or back, onto or across the line of the other foot, giving the appearance of CBM having been used, but without turning the body."

This ought to be obvious enough, but CBMP is regularly used at the same time as CBM (which might appear to be a contradiction in terms, but isn't), and you need a good teacher to demonstrate and explain what is going on, and much more importantly, why.

Hi Esme,
My advice is to not worry about CBM or CBMP just yet. Just learn your basic steps. Once you have them down pat and can do them without thinking, then you can start working on technique. You and your husband have to get the hang of following and leading, no small feat, I assure you. Dancing is meant to be fun, not an exercise in frustration.