Beautiful ballroom Dancing

Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.

The Reverse Wave is a silver-level Foxtrot figure celebrated for its fluid undulations and sophisticated directional shifts, essential for navigating crowded floors. Its timing—SQQ SQQ SSS—creates a wave-like momentum that embodies the “feather step” principle of effortless glide. Like a swan carving ripples across a lake, this figure merges power with grace, offering timeless elegance through seamless transitions between backward drives and rotational sway.

Section 2: Leader (Man)

Step 1 (S): LF forward, facing diagonal wall (DW), heel-toe
Commence with left foot forward toward DW, using contra body movement (CBM) to initiate a left turn, rising slightly at the end of the beat. Maintain neutral sway with a forward-moving alignment, ensuring the heel leads smoothly without jerking. Keep the frame steady and shoulders level while allowing natural body flight toward the direction of movement. Drive energy from your standing leg to sustain connection and avoid collapsing the frame during rise.

Step 2 (Q): RF to side, backing wall, toe
Place the right foot to the side with toe release, completing a 3/8 left turn between steps 1–2 while rising continuously. Align toward the wall, applying left sway to counterbalance the rotation. Keep hips forward and spine elongated, with head tilted gently left to harmonize with the sway. Focus on controlled rotation from the ankles to prevent overturning and maintain partner connection.

Step 3 (Q): LF back, backing diagonal wall (DW), toe-heel
Step back minimally with the left foot, turning 1/8 left between steps 2–3 while sustaining left sway. Lower at the end of the beat, keeping weight centered over the ball of the foot. Anchor the right shoulder to stabilize the frame, allowing the body flight to curve fluidly backward. Use this step to “receive” the follower’s momentum—avoid rushing to preserve musicality.

Step 4 (S): RF back, backing line of dance (LOD), toe-heel
Drive the right foot back along LOD with CBM for a left turn initiation, maintaining neutral sway. Keep knees flexed for controlled propulsion, ensuring the heel contacts the floor before lowering fully. Sustain a firm frame with forward poise, head facing center. Push from the standing heel to generate power without leaning backward.

Step 5 (Q): LF back, curving toward LOD, toe
Step back with the left foot, curving toward LOD with 1/8 left turn and rising into right sway. Align the body to curve smoothly leftward, using the inside edge of the foot. Extend the right side ribs to enhance body lines, keeping the head turned right. Initiate sway from the hips—not the shoulders—to create organic flow.

Step 6 (Q): RF back, backing LOD, toe-heel
Draw the right foot back to LOD, lowering at the end of the beat while sustaining right sway. Maintain consistent frame pressure to guide the follower’s curve. Keep the chest open and head poised right. Ensure heels remain grounded during lowering to stabilize sway.

Step 7 (S): LF back, backing LOD, toe-heel
Step back with the left foot, starting a right turn via CBM with neutral sway. Prepare for the heel pull by grounding through the toe-heel. Hold the frame firmly, head facing center. Engage your core to prevent sinking into the hip during direction change.

Step 8 (S): RF to side (heel pull), facing diagonal center (DC), heel to inside edge
Execute a small side step with the right foot, brushing to the left foot while turning 3/8 right to face DC. Use left sway, rolling from heel to inside edge. Keep the upper body calm, allowing hips to lead the rotation. Minimize step size to retain balance during pivot.

Step 9 (S): LF forward, facing DC, heel
Advance the left foot forward with CBM for a body turn left, returning to neutral sway. Move into the next figure with controlled rise. Maintain a forward-tilted frame, head facing partner. Lead with the lower body to ensure smooth transitions into subsequent steps.

Commence in Closed Position, backing DC.

Core Points

• Lead heel-first steps with controlled rise (prevents stumbling and ensures smooth weight transfers).
• Execute precise 3/8 and 1/8 turns between specified steps (maintains alignment and floorcraft).
• Lower fully at ends of beats 3 and 6 (creates necessary contrast for wave-like momentum).
• Anchor sway through hip engagement, not shoulder tilt (avoids upper-body distortion).
• Drive backward steps from the standing heel (generates propulsion without leaning).

Advanced Elements

• Sustain sway until the beat’s end for dramatic body lines (enhances visual elegance).
• Delay head turns during rotations to build anticipation (adds emotional depth).
• Keep frame firm yet responsive during direction shifts (preserves connection harmony).
• Initiate curves from the legs, not the torso (ensures organic, unified 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 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”.