Learn how to beautifully dance
the feather Ending
Silver Level Figure. Smooth diagonal forward flow ending in Outside Partner position.
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The Feather Ending elegantly concludes Foxtrot sequences with a flowing diagonal progression, embodying the dance’s signature continuity and grace. It demands precise partnership coordination to transition seamlessly from Promenade Position into Outside Partner, creating an illusion of effortless flight across the floor. Like a swan gliding into stillness, this figure merges momentum with poise, leaving dancers perfectly poised for the next phrase.
For the full list of Foxtrot figures corresponding to each medal level, see Foxtrot Figure List.
Feather Ending (Man)
Commence in Promenade Position, feet facing DW, body facing Wall.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |||
| 1 | 12 | S | RF fwd & across in CBMP | H T | Facing DW | LOD | rise e/o 1 | PP | |||
| 2 | 3 | Q | LF diag fwd | T | Pointing LOD | LOD | 1/8 to L | R | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | 4 | Q | RF fwd in CBMP | T H | Facing LOD | LOD | R | Up. Lower e/o 3 | OP |
Slow (S): RF Forward in CBMP (Promenade Position)
Begin with the right foot stepping forward along the diagonal wall in CBMP, heel leading, while maintaining body alignment toward the wall. Keep the left side extended toward the lady, with slight left-side leading to guide her into the Feather path. Apply minimal left turn via body rotation (not shoulder force) to initiate the Outside Partner transition. Rise smoothly at the end of this step through the ankles and knees, ensuring controlled elevation. Maintain neutral sway to avoid tilting the frame sideways. Sustain forward body flight by anchoring the right foot and allowing the left leg to swing freely ahead, creating diagonal stretch from the right hip to the left shoulder. Keep the head turned gently left toward the lady, with the frame held firm but supple to transmit clear direction. Connection remains focused through the center of the body, ensuring the lady feels the impending turn. Anchor the standing leg firmly to generate swing for the free leg, preserving harmony in motion.
Quick (Q): LF Diagonally Forward
Step diagonally forward onto the left foot, toe leading, aligning toward the diagonal wall with the body now facing the line of dance. Continue the subtle left turn using body rotation, signaling the lady to close her head and prepare for Outside Partner. Rise maintained, with ankles flexed and knees soft to absorb movement. No sway, as the body remains centered over the feet. Flow forward with sustained momentum, allowing the right side to stretch slightly to counterbalance the left leg’s swing. Frame stays expansive but connected, with elbows level and left arm shaping the lady’s path. Head remains left, eyes directed toward the lady’s face to reinforce partnership. Use the right leg’s compression to propel the left foot forward, ensuring seamless weight transfer.
Quick (Q): RF Forward in CBMP (Outside Partner)
Advance the right foot forward in CBMP outside the lady’s right side, toe-to-heel, completing the transition to Outside Partner. Body faces diagonal wall, with turn finalized by rotating the hips and torso as a unit. Lower gently at the end of the step, softening knees while keeping the upper body elevated. Apply moderate right sway to counterbalance the Outside Partner position, elongating the right side. Body flight continues diagonally, with the left leg already preparing for the next step. Frame remains stable, left arm forward to guide the lady’s head closure. Head turns slightly right to follow the lady’s movement. Sink into the supporting leg to stabilize the sway, ensuring elegant closure.
Feather Ending (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |||
| 1 | 12 | S | LF fwd & across in CBMP | H T | Facing DC | LOD | Com to turn L | rise e/o 1. NFR | PP | ||
| 2 | 3 | Q | RF side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | 1.4 (1-2) | L | Up. | Closed | |
| 3 | 4 | Q | LF back in CBMP | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | 1/8 (2-3) body turns less | L | Up. NFR. Lower e/o 3 | OP |
Slow (S): LF Forward and Across in CBMP (Promenade Position)
Step forward and across with the left foot in CBMP, heel leading, toward the line of dance while in Promenade Position. Align shoulders parallel to the man’s, with body facing the diagonal center. Rise slightly at step’s end, using ankle extension. Accept his left-turn lead through the frame without anticipating. Maintain neutral sway, keeping hips centered under the torso. Stretch the right side diagonally toward the man, creating a unified body line. Frame stays forward and responsive, arms light but engaged to follow rotation. Head turned right in Promenade, eyes directed over the right shoulder. Engage core muscles to control momentum, avoiding rushing.
Quick (Q): RF to Side and Slightly Back
Draw the right foot side-back, toe leading, as the body turns left to back diagonal wall. Pivot 1/4 left on the ball of the left foot, rising smoothly. Apply left sway, elongating the left side from hip to armpit. Body flight flows diagonally backward, with hips leading the turn while shoulders follow. Keep the frame compact, elbows softly bent to absorb the man’s lead. Head closes left toward the man, eyes following the turn. Swing the right hip forward to initiate turn, ensuring feet align under the body.
Quick (Q): LF Back in CBMP (Outside Partner)
Step back with the left foot in CBMP, toe leading, backing diagonal wall as the man moves to Outside Partner. Complete 1/8 left turn, lowering at step’s end with knees flexed. Sustain left sway, stretching the left side to match the man’s right sway. Body flight remains diagonal, with spine extended to maintain elegance. Frame holds firm, right arm yielding to the man’s lead as the head closes fully left. Keep weight forward over the toes to prevent sitting back, enhancing fluidity
General Notes
Core Points
- Lead turns with torso rotation, not arms, ensuring clarity without force.
- Footwork timing (heel-toe/toe) prevents staccato movement, essential for Foxtrot’s smoothness.
- Rise peaks at step ends, lowering through knee flexion for seamless transitions.
- CBMP positioning (feet crossing) maintains partnership alignment during direction shifts.
- Diagonal progression requires consistent body flight; avoid lateral deviations.
Advanced Elements
- Sway counters Outside Partner positioning, creating harmonious body arcs.
- Frame elasticity absorbs momentum, enabling responsive rotation.
- Head closure synchronizes with body turns for visual unity.
- Continuous flow stems from core engagement, not leg tension.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leader forces turn with shoulders | Rotate hips and torso as a unit, leading from the center. |
| Follower anticipates head turn | Wait for the man’s rotational lead before closing the head. |
| Uneven rise causing imbalance | Rise through ankle extension, not leg lifting. |
| Collapsed frame in CBMP | Stretch the free side diagonally to maintain space. |
| Sway exaggerated, breaking alignment | Sway only from the ankles, keeping hips under shoulders. |
| Rushing quicks, disrupting musicality | Sync steps to “slow-quick-quick” rhythm, emphasizing elongation. |
“A feather settling on still water—weightless yet decisive in its path.”
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Natural Turn Change of Direction |
| Silver | Hover Telemark Reverse Wave |
Commenced facing LOD
| Bronze | Natural Turn (at a corner) Three Step Change of Direction (at a corner) |
| Silver | Reverse Wave (at a corner) |
Commenced facing DW
| Bronze | Natural Turn (at a corner) Three Step Change of Direction (at a corner) |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Hover Telemark (at a corner) Reverse Wave (at a corner) |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Turn & Feather Finish |
| Silver | Closed Telemark Open Telemark Outside Swivel Reverse Wave |
| Gold | Bounce Fallaway with Weave Ending Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Ended Facing LOD
| Bronze | Three Step Change of Direction 1-4 of Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Outside Swivel Reverse Wave |
Ended Facing DW (along a side of the floor)
| Bronze | Three Step Change of Direction 1-4 of Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Hover Telemark Outside Swivel Reverse Wave Top Spin |
Ended Facing DW (into a corner)
| Bronze | Change of Direction 1-4 of Reverse Turn to Basic Weave |
| Silver | Hover Telemark Reverse Wave Top Spin |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
List of Abbreviations
| Timing | S: Slow Q: Quick |
| Steps | RF: Right foot LF: Left foot fwd: forward diag: diagonally CBMP: Contra Body Movement Position i/e: inside edge |
| Footwork | T: Toe H: Heel F: Flat |
| Turn | L: Left R: Right cont: continue com: commence |
| Alignment & Moving | LOD: Line of Dance DC: Diagonal Centre DW: Diagonal Wall |
| Rise & Fall | NFR: no foot rise com: commence cont: continue e/o: end of |
| Position | OP: outside Partner PP: Promenade Position CPP: Counter Promenade Position PO: Partner outside |
| Sway | L: Left R: Right F: Forward |
For a more detailed explanation of terms and abbreviations, see the Glossary.
Demonstrations
These 3rd party (external) demonstration videos typically show the Feather Ending being performed from different angles, perspectives and speeds. However, they generally have little or no commentary or explanation.
For videos that also include commentary and tips that are aimed at assisting you perform the figure properly, see the next section “Tutorials”.