Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.

Step 1 (Slow)
Step forward with your left foot along the line of dance, initiating a left turn through strong contra body movement. Your heel should contact the floor first, with your body beginning to rise slightly at the end of this step to prepare for the lady’s heel turn. This rise is achieved from the ankles and knees, not the hips, to maintain a smooth and controlled lead. The body flight is forward and into the turn, with your frame remaining solid and your head held naturally to the left. Maintain a consistent, supportive frame pressure throughout the rise to guide your partner securely.

Step 2 (Quick)
Step side and slightly forward with your right foot, continuing the left turn to end backing diagonal to the wall. The footwork is on the toe, with the body maintaining its height and developing a slight sway to the left. Your body continues to move around the lady, with your right side leading the action to create space for her heel turn. The sway is a natural consequence of the turn and should not be forced, keeping the left side of your body elongated. Keep your right shoulder down and your left side stretched to create a strong, leading diagonal line.

Step 3 (Quick)
Step back with your left foot along the line of dance, lowering onto the toe and then the heel at the end of the step as the body turn is checked. Your alignment is backing the line of dance, and the slight left sway is held. This step acts as a collecting step, receiving the lady’s forward impetus. Your frame must remain forward and poised, not collapsing backward, as you prepare to lead the feather finish. Keep your weight forward over your foot to receive the lady’s forward step with stability and connection.

Step 4 (Slow)
Step back with your right foot along the line of dance, again initiating contra body movement for a left turn and beginning to rise at the end of the step. The footwork is toe, then heel, then toe again, and your alignment remains backing the line of dance. This is the first step of the feather finish, so the movement should be long and purposeful, creating the drive for the following steps. The body flight is backward but with a strong forward intention through the frame. Drive backward with your body, not just your leg, to create the necessary impetus for the feather action.

Step 5 (Quick)
Step side and very slightly forward with your left foot, pointing diagonal to the wall, as the body completes a three-eighths left turn between steps 4 and 5. The body rises to its highest point and develops a sway to the right. This step swings across in front of the lady, with your left side leading strongly. Your head should now turn to the right, looking toward the direction of travel, with your frame maintaining a perfect connection with your partner. Ensure your step swings past the lady’s right side while keeping your right hips in close contact.

Step 6 (Quick)
Step forward in CBMP and outside partner on your right foot, facing diagonal to the wall, and lower at the end of the step. The footwork is toe then heel, and the right sway is held. Your body should feel as if it is overtaking your foot, creating a controlled forward flight into the lowering action. Your frame remains constant, and your head position is to the right. Step confidently into the CBMP position, ensuring your body weight moves fully forward to settle into the low finish.

Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.

Core principles

• Commence with strong Contra Body Movement on the first step to effectively initiate the left turn for both partners.
• The leader’s rise at the end of step one is crucial for signaling and facilitating the lady’s upcoming heel turn.
• The lady must keep her knees soft and flexible throughout the heel turn to absorb the action smoothly and maintain balance.
• The final three steps (4-6) constitute the Feather Finish, which requires a sustained body flight and drive to achieve the characteristic long, gliding appearance.

Advanced Elements

• The sway develops naturally as a result of the turn; it should never be forced or exaggerated, as this breaks the body line.
• Maintain a constant, supportive frame pressure throughout the figure, especially during the heel turn and the feather finish, to ensure partnership harmony.
• The body flight should feel continuous and unwavering, with the rise and fall being a seamless undulation rather than a distinct up and down action.
• The head positions are integral to the overall line; the lady’s head turns contribute significantly to the elegance and expression of the movement.

Commenced Facing DC (as described above)

Commenced Facing LOD

Commenced Facing DW

Ended Facing DW (along side of floor)

Ended Facing DW (into a corner)

These 3rd party (external) demonstration videos typically show the Reverse Turn & Feather Finish 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”.