Learn how to beautifully dance
the Open IMPETUS
The Open Impetus is a foundational silver-level figure in Foxtrot, renowned for its flowing rotation and seamless transition into promenade position. It elegantly resolves momentum from traveling steps into controlled turns while maintaining the dance’s characteristic smoothness. Like a swan gliding across a moonlit lake, this figure embodies timeless grace through its harmonious blend of movement and poise.
The Open Impetus is usually a silver level Foxtrot figure. For the full list of Foxtrot figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Foxtrot.
Open Impetus (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | S | LF fwd | H T | Facing DC | DC | com to turn L | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | Q | RF to side, then brush LF to RF | T | Backing DW | DC | 1/4 (1→2) | L | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | Q | LF to side | T H | Facing DW | LOD | 1/2 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Slow (S):
Begin with the left foot stepping back along the line of dance, aligning the body to back the line of dance while initiating a right turn with contra body movement. Keep the heel grounded and upper body stable, lowering smoothly without abrupt weight shifts to prepare for rotation. Maintain diagonal stretch through the frame as sway carries over from the preceding figure, ensuring hips remain aligned under the shoulders. The turn starts subtly here, guided by controlled rotation in the spine rather than forceful action. Rise gently only at the end of this step to preserve fluidity. Ensure your frame remains expansive and connected to guide the follower’s momentum without pushing or collapsing.
Quick (Q):
Close the right foot to the left with a precise heel turn, completing three-eighths of a right rotation between steps 1–2 while rising steadily. Keep the ball of the right foot skimming the floor to avoid lifting the toe, and transfer weight smoothly to achieve balance. Shift sway decisively to the left as the body faces diagonal center, engaging core muscles to stabilize the turn without tilting. The heel turn should feel compact and grounded, using controlled ankle flexion. Sustain gentle upward stretch through the spine to enhance elevation. Focus on minimal travel during this closure to harness the follower’s forward energy for rotation.
Quick (Q):
Step diagonally forward with the left foot into promenade position, leading strongly with the left side to initiate the transition. Body turns slightly right to face the line of dance while lowering at the step’s conclusion, maintaining neutral sway and soft knees. Rotate the ribcage and hips as a unit to draw the follower into promenade, ensuring the head moves last for elegance. Keep the frame resilient yet supple, with shoulders level and left arm extended purposefully. The motion should feel like unwinding a silk ribbon—smooth and continuous. Coordinate the body turn with the step to avoid rushing the promenade opening.
Slow (S):
Move the right foot forward in promenade position with CBMP, aligning toward diagonal center while the body faces the line of dance. Rise gradually through the body while keeping weight forward over the ball of the foot, ensuring no loss of connection. Maintain a light but consistent forward pressure into the follower’s hand to sustain flow. Head remains turned slightly left with a soft focus, enhancing the figure’s aesthetic line. Move with confident, unhurried progression to allow the follower space to complete her rotation.
Open Impetus (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.
| # | Count | Steps | Footwork | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | S | RF back | T H | Backing DC | DC | com to turn L | rise slightly e/o 1. NFR | Closed | ||
| 2 | Q | LF closes to RF (heel turn) | H T | Facing LOD | Under Body | 3/8 (1→2) | R | cont to rise on 2 | Closed | |
| 3 | Q | RF fwd | T H | Facing DC | LOD | 1/8 (2→3) body turns more | R | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Slow (S):
Step forward with the right foot along the line of dance, starting a right turn with contra body movement while keeping the body closed and aligned forward. Travel decisively with a full stride, grounding through the heel without rushing the head turn. Sustain neutral sway and gentle forward flight, letting the leader guide rotation initiation. Delay head movement to prioritize body positioning, ensuring shoulders stay square to the leader. Keep the step expansive yet controlled to support shared balance.
Quick (Q):
Step side with the left foot toward diagonal center, completing three-eighths of a right turn between steps 1–2 while rising. Swing the left side upward without dropping the shoulder, allowing the foot to pivot naturally under the body. Shift sway smoothly to the right while staying slightly behind the leader, gauging step size to maintain proximity. Keep the frame light and responsive, with the center pulled back to aid rotation. Let the leader’s hip lead your movement to prevent overturning or gapping.
Quick (Q):
Brush the right foot to the left before stepping side into promenade position, turning an additional one-eighth right between steps 2–3 as the body faces center. Lower gracefully at the step’s end while aligning the body diagonally to the center. Keep the head turned gradually and late toward the leader, creating a polished finish. Maintain gentle opposition through the frame to support shared sway. Allow the head to follow the body’s rotation like the final stroke of a painter’s brush.
Slow (S):
Step forward and across in promenade position with CBMP using the left foot, moving toward the center while the body starts a left turn. Rise progressively with controlled ankle extension, keeping weight forward and connection firm. Sustain neutral sway and fluid body flight, with the head turned elegantly toward the leader. Initiate the next figure by carrying momentum through the toes, not the shoulders.
General Notes
Core Points
- Complete three-eighths right turn during the heel turn closure (steps 1–2) to position the body correctly for promenade.
- Lower smoothly on the first slow to absorb momentum, rising only at the step’s end for seamless weight transfer.
- Lead promenade transitions with ribcage rotation—not arm force—to ensure harmonious movement.
- Step sizes should be moderate; overly large steps destabilize rotation and connection.
- Maintain consistent foot pressure (e.g., ball skim in heel turn) for controlled balance.
Advanced Elements
- Sway shifts must flow naturally: neutral on traveling steps, directional during turns, then neutral again in promenade.
- Frame resilience prevents collapse during rotation—imagine holding a delicate soap bubble between your palms.
- Head follows body rotation last, like a flower turning toward the sun, for visual elegance.
- Musicality: Resolve turns on the slow’s climax to match Foxtrot’s “slow-quick-quick-slow” phrasing.
“A compass needle finding true north..”
Preceding Figures
Commenced Facing DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Feather Step |
| Silver | Feather Ending Hover Cross Hover Feather Natural Telemark Top Spin |
| Gold | Natural Hover Telemark Natural Twist Turn Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending Natural Zig-Zag from Promenade |
Commenced Facing LOD
| Bronze | Feather Step |
| Silver | Feather Ending |
| Gold | Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot Natural Twist Turn (at a corner) Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending (at a corner) Natural Zig-Zag from Promenade |
Commenced Facing DW
| Bronze | Closed Impetus & Feather Finish (at a corner) Feather Step Reverse Turn & Feather Finish Basic Weave Natural Weave |
| Silver | Feather Ending Hover Feather Natural Telemark (at a corner) Top Spin Weave from Promenade |
| Gold | Bounce Fallaway with Weave Ending Curved Feather to Back Feather & Feather Finish Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot Natural Hover Telemark (at a corner) Natural Twist Turn (at a corner) Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending (at a corner) Natural Twist Turn with Weave Ending Natural Zig-Zag from Promenade |
Following Figures
Ended Facing DW (along side of 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 Open Telemark 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”.