Learn how to beautifully dance
the Open telemark
Silver Level Figure. Elegant transition from closed to promenade with controlled rotation.
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The Open Telemark is a cornerstone silver figure, gracefully pivoting partners from closed position into promenade. Its flowing 1½ measures (SQQ timing) create space and redirection while maintaining Foxtrot’s signature smoothness. Like a key unlocking a garden gate, it opens new pathways across the floor.
For the full list of Foxtrot figures corresponding to each medal level, see Foxtrot Figure List.
Open Telemark (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 |
Step 1 (Slow: LF forward, facing DC)
Begin with a strong forward step on the left foot, aligning toward diagonal center, using heel-toe footwork to initiate controlled left rotation through Contra Body Movement (CBM). Rise smoothly at the end of this step while maintaining a neutral spine, ensuring your right side remains compressed to anchor the turn without rushing. Focus on grounding through the standing leg while extending through the diagonal to create a poised launch into the next movement. Maintain a firm but flexible frame, keeping your head tilted slightly left with eyes directed toward your partner, allowing your torso to lead the motion while legs follow. Ensure connection remains constant through your right hand and upper back, avoiding any forward tilt or collapse in the shoulders. Keep your upper body calm and collected, allowing the lower body to execute the turn with precision while sustaining harmonious partnership energy.
Step 2 (Quick: RF to side, backing DW)
Swing the right foot sharply to the side and slightly back, completing a 1/4 left turn to face diagonal wall, using toe footwork and left sway to stabilize momentum. Rise continuously through this step, pivoting your base more than the upper body to avoid over-rotation while keeping hips aligned under your shoulders. Brush the left foot lightly toward the right without weight to prepare for the promenade transition, ensuring your right shoulder remains forward to guide your partner. Sustain elevation through the body while directing sway leftward like a mast bending in a gentle breeze, counterbalancing your partner’s heel turn without disrupting frame integrity. Keep your head steady, eyes focused over your partner’s right shoulder, and maintain soft pressure through your left hand to signal the upcoming promenade. Prioritize smooth weight transfer and upper-body stillness to ensure your partner feels secure and unhindered during her pivotal heel turn.
Step 3 (Quick: LF to side in PP, facing DW)
Step diagonally forward and side onto the left foot into Promenade Position, transitioning to toe-heel footwork while executing a 1/2 left body turn to face diagonal wall. Lower gently at the end of this step, allowing natural right sway to harmonize with your partner’s movement as you open your left side. Rotate your torso decisively toward the promenade direction while keeping your frame expansive and symmetrical, ensuring no forward pitch or loss of connection. Hold your head turned comfortably toward the promenade direction, with eyes following the line of dance, while your right side gently supports your partner’s forward momentum. Emphasize unified body rotation and sway coordination to achieve a polished, unhurried promenade with seamless flow.
Open Telemark (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 |
Step 1 (Slow: RF back, backing DC)
Step back on the right foot with toe-heel footwork, starting a left rotation through CBM while keeping sway neutral and alignment toward diagonal center. Rise slightly at the end of the step without foot rise (NFR), compressing your left side to prepare for the heel turn while maintaining steady connection through your upper back. Keep your head tilted left, eyes directed toward the leader’s right shoulder, resisting the urge to open prematurely. Sustain a soft frame with elbows lifted and shoulders relaxed, allowing your body to follow the leader’s lead without anticipating the turn. Focus on controlled extension through your back step, creating space for rotation while preserving elegant posture and partnership unity.
Step 2 (Quick: LF closes to RF, Heel Turn, facing LOD)
Execute a sharp 3/8 left heel turn on the right foot, closing the left foot without weight as you pivot to face line of dance, using heel-toe footwork and strong right sway. Continue rising through this step, anchoring through your right side while stretching diagonally left to create a taut, controlled spiral. Delay head rotation until your weight settles fully onto the right leg, then turn your head slowly left as signaled by the leader’s frame. Keep your upper body responsive but restrained, letting your feet initiate the turn before your torso follows to avoid overturning. Trust the leader’s support during this steep pivot, maintaining fluidity through your spine and hips to achieve effortless rotation.
Step 3 (Quick: RF diag. forward in PP, facing DC)
Step forward and across in Promenade Position onto the right foot with toe-heel footwork, moving toward diagonal center with gentle right sway and no additional turn. Keep your body elevated until lowering at the step’s end, extending your left side toward the leader to form a smooth, unbroken line. Turn your head decisively to promenade direction as you step, aligning your gaze with the leader’s while keeping shoulders level and frame supple. Imagine dancing forward into the space, using sway to enhance the sweeping arc of your movement. Ensure your step travels boldly across the floor, matching the leader’s sway to create a balanced, picture-like promenade.
General Notes
Core Points
- Strong CBM on Step 1: Essential for initiating the natural turn effectively for both partners.
- Precise Turn Amounts: Leader completes ¼ turn between 1-2, minimal body turn on 3; Follower completes 3/8 turn between 1-2 (heel turn), 1/8 on 3.
- Smooth Rise & Fall: Rise late on 1, continue rise on 2 (up), lower end of 3. Avoid early rise on 1 (follower NFR).
- Footwork Accuracy: Leader: HT, T, TH; Follower: TH, HT, TH. Crucial for balance and smooth weight transfer.
- Clear Alignment Changes: Leader: DC -> DW (backing) -> Wall; Follower: DC (backing) -> LOD -> DC
Advanced Elements
- Sway Control: Leader uses defined left sway on step 2; Follower uses defined right sway on step 2; Neutral sway elsewhere. Sway is a continuous body line, not a tilt.
- Frame Stability: Leader provides a secure, rotating platform for the lady’s heel turn; Follower maintains consistent connection without anticipating.
- Head Position: Follower delays head turn until after completing the heel turn on step 2, turning smoothly to promenade on step 3.
- Body Flight: Projection into the promenade step (count 3) for both partners creates flow and elegance.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leader rushes the turn on step 2 | Focus on body rotation over the standing leg, not foot placement speed. |
| Follower rises too early on step 1 | Maintain leg tone and use ankle extension only at the very end of S. |
| Follower opens head too early during heel turn | Keep head left until weight is fully settled on LF after the turn. |
| Leader fails to create space for PP on step 3 | Step diagonally forward/side, projecting left side towards LOD in PP. |
| Partners break frame connection during the turn | Maintain consistent hand/wrist pressure and upper body connection. |
| Lack of controlled lowering on step 3 | Lower smoothly through knees and ankles, finishing with soft knees. |
“A poised swan unfolding its wings to glide into the sunset.”
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”.