Learn how to beautifully dance
the closed telemark
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Closed Telemark in the Modern Waltz.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, movement, turn, sway, rise & fall and hold — for both the Man/Leader and the Lady/Follower, as per “The Ballroom Technique” publication.
It also contains personal notes, tips and advice that has been manually collated and typed in, from a variety of online and offline sources.
Also included is a compilation of (3rd party) YouTube videos demonstrating and teaching how to do a beautiful Closed Telemark!
The Closed Telemark is usually a silver level Modern Waltz figure. For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, as per the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), see the Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Closed Telemark (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | T H | Facing DC | DC | com to L | rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing DC | DC | just under 3/8 (1→2) | L | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF to side & slightly fwd | T H | Pointing DW | LOD | just over 3/8 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
In step 4,
- The following step will be taken forward in CBMP, outside partner.
Closed Telemark (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing DC | DC | com to turn L | rise slightly e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF closes to RF (heel turn) | H T | Facing LOD | DC | 3/8 (1→2) | R | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF to side & slightly back | T H | Backing DW | LOD | 3/8 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | Closed |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
In step 4,
- the following step with be backwards in CBMP with the Man outside.
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DC (as described above)
Following Figures
Ended Pointing DW (as described above)
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 Closed 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”.