Learn how to beautifully dance
the closed impetus
Bronze Level Figure. A heel turn with sway creating rotational momentum.
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The Closed Impetus elegantly redirects momentum through a controlled heel turn and sway, serving as a cornerstone for Waltz transitions. Its precise rotation and partnership dynamics make it indispensable for navigating corners or shifting dance directions fluidly. Like a pair of swans gliding in a synchronized arc, this figure embodies the waltz’s timeless grace.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Closed Impetus (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Count | Steps | Footword | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position |
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | com to R | Closed | |||
| 2 | 2 | RF close to LF (heel turn) | H T | Facing DC | under body | 3/8 (1→2) | Rise e/o 2 | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF to side & slightly back | T H | DW | Centre | 1/4 (2→3) | Closed |
Step back with the left foot along the line of dance, initiating a right turn with strong contrary body movement and no rise. Keep the heel grounded initially, then transfer weight to the toe while aligning the body backing line of dance. Maintain a straight sway throughout this step, ensuring the head remains poised and directed over the right shoulder. The turn begins immediately as the step is taken, with the left foot moving directly under the body to preserve balance.
Anchor the frame firmly to receive the lady’s forward energy, allowing her momentum to initiate the turn naturally without forcing rotation.
Count 2:
Close the right foot to the left foot, executing a heel turn by pivoting on the left heel before transferring weight fully to the right foot. Complete this movement facing diagonal center, rising only at the end of the step while swaying distinctly leftward. Keep the knees relaxed during the pivot, delaying the rise to permit the lady’s unimpeded passage. Continue turning on the ball of the right foot, preparing for the next step without rushing.
Sustain a compact frame and gentle right-hand lead to guide the lady’s path, ensuring your sway originates from the ankles to avoid upper-body distortion.
Count 3:
Step side and slightly back with the left foot, backing diagonal center against the line of dance, while rising fully onto the toe. Lower smoothly at the step’s conclusion, neutralizing sway and completing a quarter turn between this and the prior step. Ensure the left heel lowers only after weight is settled, maintaining controlled alignment over the supporting right foot.
Coordinate the descent with soft knees to absorb momentum, preserving a unified body flight into the next figure.
Closed Impetus (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD.
| Count | Steps | Footword | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | |
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | facing LOD | LOD | com to R | Closed | |||
| 2 | 2 | LF to side then brush RF to LF | T | Backing DC | LOD | 3/8 (1→2) | R | Rise e/o 2 | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF diag fwd | T H | Backing DW | Centre | 1/4 (2→3) | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Count 1:
Step forward strongly with the right foot along the line of dance, employing contrary body movement to rotate the upper body rightward. Land with heel-toe footwork, keeping knees supple and head turned left without premature rise. Swing the body decisively forward to fuel the turn’s momentum, aligning squarely toward the line of dance.
Remain centered over your axis, using CBM to spiral into the turn while keeping frame contact responsive yet steady.
Count 2:
Step side with the left foot to backing diagonal center, rising at the step’s end while swaying fluidly rightward. Turn three-eighths on the ball of the left foot, delaying weight commitment until the man signals readiness through frame connection. Engage the entire left side—hip to shoulder—to drive rotational energy, brushing the right foot toward the left as turn completes.
Avoid collapsing the left rib cage; instead, lift it toward the man to sustain elegant body lines and rotational harmony.
Count 3:
Step diagonally forward with the right foot (after brushing it to the left), facing diagonal center against the line of dance, rising fully and lowering at the step’s conclusion. Maintain neutral sway and toe-heel footwork, extending the right side to enhance body flight.
Surrender the arms fluidly to the man’s lead, enabling seamless extension and preparing for progressive figures.
General Notes
Core Points
- Initiate CBM decisively on count 1 to generate rotational force.
- Execute the heel turn without early rise, ensuring weight transfers fully before pivoting.
- Time rise to peak at count 3’s midpoint, lowering with knee flexion for stability.
- Align steps precisely: man ends count 2 facing diagonal center; lady ends count 2 backing diagonal center.
Advanced Elements
- Cultivate sway as a full-body lean (not a tilt) to amplify turn efficiency.
- “Leave” extended limbs with your partner to create shared momentum and lyrical continuity.
- Synchronize head turns with body rotations to sculpt visually harmonious lines.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Backing LOD
Commenced Backing DW
(only turn 1/8 between steps 2→3 to ensure the correct alignment)
Following Figures
Ended Backing DC against LOD
| Bronze | 4-6 Reverse Turn Reverse Corté Reverse Pivot |
Ended Backing DC (at a corner)
| Bronze | 4-6 Reverse Turn Reverse Corté Reverse Pivot |
Ended Backing LOD of new LOD
(having commenced backing DW at a corner and dancing full amount of turn)
Demonstrations
These 3rd party (external) demonstration videos typically show the Closed Impetus 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”.
Closed Impetus demonstration by iDanceTW
Tutorials
These 3rd party (external) tutorial videos include commentary and advice, that are aimed at teaching you how to perform the Hover Corte, properly.