Step on 3/4 for Balancé and Waltzing

This ballet step on the rhythm of 3/4 (1, 2, 3- 1, 2, 3...) seems so simple yet beginner ballet students often struggle with it. Mainly because the 4th step is done on a 'silent note'. This 'in-between step" hasn't got a full count, it is rather like taking a short breath before continuing with the next step (1, 2, 3 -breath- 1, 2, 3 -breath- 1, 2, 3...). This step can be danced as a waltz, sarabande, polonaise, mazurka etc. Most importantly, it is a preparation for 'balancé en tournent' where this step is done whilst turning around oneself.