Learn how to beautifully dance
the back whisk
Bronze Level Figure. A backward step transitions into a crossed-leg promenade position.
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The Back Whisk elegantly concludes movements like the Reverse Corte, redirecting momentum into promenade with minimal travel. Its subtle sway and controlled rise embody the waltz’s lyrical grace, much like a swan tucking its wing before gliding onward. Mastering this figure enhances fluid transitions and spatial awareness on crowded floors.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Back Whisk (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC against LOD.
| # | Count | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing DC against LOD | DC against LOD | 1 | – | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | RF diag back | T | Backing DC against LOD | against LOD | – | L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF crosses behind RF | T H | Facing DW | under body | – | L | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Count 1 (LF Back):
Step back diagonally to center against LOD in CBMP, allowing the lady outside partner. Lower through the right leg while maintaining slight CBM to absorb momentum. Keep shoulders level and frame stable as the left foot rolls from toe to heel. Ensure your torso remains forward over the hips to prevent collapsing backward.
Count 2 (RF Diagonally Back):
Move the right foot diagonally back along LOD, continuing to rise smoothly onto the toe. Rotate the upper body slightly right toward the lady, isolating this motion from the hips. Maintain left sway while directing the head toward the lady’s position. Keep the frame expansive and connection firm to guide her into the turn.
Count 3 (LF Cross Behind RF):
Cross the left foot behind the right, rising fully onto the toe and settling into PP facing diagonal wall. Sustain left sway as hips align toward the new direction. Release the head gently left while ensuring shoulders remain parallel to the lady’s. Lower softly through the left heel, preparing to propel forward in promenade.
Back Whisk (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC against LOD
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing DC against LOD | DC against LOD | 1 | com to turn R | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | |
| 2 | 2 | LF to side | T | Facing Centre | Against LOD | 1/8 (1→2) | R | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF crosses behind LF | T H | Facing DC | under body | 1/8 (2→3) | R | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Count 1 (RF Forward):
Step forward outside partner in CBMP, rising slightly at the end of the beat. Engage the left hip to create body flight, keeping the head left and connection centered. Maintain neutral sway while extending through the right heel. Drive decisively past the man’s right hip without rushing.
Count 2 (LF to Side):
Swing the left foot side and slightly forward, rising onto the toe as the body turns right to face center. Allow the hips to lead the rotation while shoulders follow smoothly. Hold right sway and keep elbows forward, with head gradually turning right. Use foot pressure to control rotation, avoiding overturning.
Count 3 (RF Cross Behind LF):
Cross the right foot tightly behind the left, settling into PP with body facing center. Sustain right sway as weight lowers through the right heel. Keep shoulders aligned with the man and head turned right, offering the rib cage toward him. Anchor the crossed position lightly to enable seamless forward motion.
General Notes
Core Points
- Step 1 CBMP: Prevents blocking the lady’s path and ensures clean outside movement.
- Rise late on Count 1: Avoids premature elevation, preserving leg power.
- Footwork precision: Heel leads for stability, toe releases for fluidity.
- Minimal turn on Back Whisk: Focuses energy into promenade transition.
Advanced Elements
- Sway as suspension: Counters momentum while enhancing body lines.
- Frame elasticity: Absorbs and redirects movement without rigidity.
- Head delay: Creates elegant visual continuity during rotation.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man drops weight too early on Step 1 | Sustain slight forward poise over the standing leg. |
| Lady over-rotates on Step 2 | Limit hip rotation to 1/8 turn, guided by foot pressure. |
| Inconsistent rise between partners | Leader initiates rise subtly at end of Count 1. |
| Collapsed frame in cross | Widen upper back muscles while crossing. |
| Disconnected promenade exit | Maintain rib-cage |
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing DC against LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Reverse Corte (at a corner) |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation (at a corner) |
| Gold | Left Whisk with Twist ending |
Commenced Backing against LOD
| Bronze | Reverse Corte |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation |
| Gold | Left Whisk with Twist Ending Hover Corte |
Commenced Backing LOD
(Turning to the Back Whisk to the R, as per note above)
Commenced Backing DW
(Turning to the Back Whisk to the Right, as per note above)
Following Figures
Ready to move down LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Wing |
| Gold | Left Whisk |
Ready to Move DC
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Weave from Promenade Cross Hesitation Wing |
List of Abbreviations
| Steps | RF: Right foot LF: Left foot fwd: forward diag: diagonally CBMP: Contra Body Movement Position |
| 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 Back Whisk 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”.