Learn how to beautifully dance
the closed telemark
Silver Level Figure. A smooth left-turning figure ending in outside partner position.
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The Closed Telemark is a cornerstone Waltz figure, admired for its flowing rotation and elegant sway. It enables seamless direction changes while maintaining partnership harmony, often replacing the Reverse Turn in confined spaces. Like a leaf spiraling gracefully from a tree, this figure captivates with its controlled momentum and timeless sophistication.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
Count 1 (LF forward):
Commence facing diagonally to the center, stepping forward with the left foot using heel-toe. Apply strong Contrary Body Movement (CBM) to initiate the left turn while keeping shoulders parallel to your partner. Rise slightly at the end of the count by lifting the body through the ankles, ensuring the right foot stays grounded until fully stretched. Maintain a forward poise with hips aligned under the torso, and avoid rushing the turn to prevent imbalance. Focus on a controlled push from the standing right foot to transfer weight smoothly onto the left foot.
Keep your frame expansive and stable, with a gentle forward inclination from the ankles. Sustain a consistent connection through the right side of your torso, guiding without forcing the lady’s rotation. Hold your head neutrally, eyes looking naturally toward the lady’s right temple. Allow the body flight to flow diagonally along the line of dance, using the turn to generate momentum.
Ensure your forward step travels along the same track as the lady’s backward step to maintain partnership unity.
Count 2 (RF to side):
Pivot on the ball of the left foot, stepping side-slightly-back with the right foot across the line of dance while completing just under 3/8 of the total left turn. Keep the right knee flexed to absorb momentum, aligning the foot to back the line of dance. Continue rising smoothly through the body, emphasizing sway to the left by stretching the left side upward from the hip to the armpit. Avoid overturning the body; let the feet lead the rotation while the torso follows gradually.
Sustain sway by elongating the left side of your body diagonally upward, creating a gentle curve without collapsing the right shoulder. Maintain a firm but flexible frame, allowing the lady to settle into your right arm. Direct your head gaze steadily toward the center of the room, enhancing the body line. Focus on shared rotation by keeping hips and shoulders square to the lady.
Use the sway to stabilize the turn, ensuring your right foot placement anchors the couple’s balance.
Count 3 (LF to side and slightly forward):
Continue turning on the ball of the right foot, stepping side-and-slightly-forward with the left foot to point diagonally to the wall. Complete just over 3/8 of the remaining turn, allowing the body to face slightly less than the feet. Stay fully risen while controlling the descent, lowering through the toes at the count’s end. Keep the step long enough to prevent crowding the lady, with feet comfortably apart.
Transition sway to neutral by gradually equalizing weight distribution, aligning the spine vertically over the hips. Preserve frame integrity by holding the elbows forward and level, resisting the urge to lift the shoulders. Position your head to face diagonally to the wall, enhancing the elegant body line. Harmonize movement with the lady by matching her rotational speed.
Complete the figure with poised stillness, preparing for the next step 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 |
Count 1 (RF back):
Begin backing diagonally to the center, stepping back with the right foot using toe-heel. Accept the leader’s CBM by rotating the lower body left while keeping shoulders square to him. Rise slightly at the count’s end without lifting the heel (no foot rise), engaging the left hip flexor to control weight transfer. Step straight back along the line of dance, avoiding diagonal deviations that disrupt alignment.
Maintain a strong diagonal stretch through the left side of your torso, resisting shoulder rotation. Keep your head poised to the right, eyes looking past the leader’s left shoulder. Rely on the frame for connection, feeling the lead through your back muscles. Allow body flight to follow the leader’s path while sustaining a soft but resistant forward poise.
Focus on grounding through the standing left leg to stabilize the backward step.
Count 2 (LF closes to RF for heel turn):
Close the left foot to the right foot, executing a heel turn by pivoting on the right heel. Rotate 3/8 left between counts 1–2, finishing facing the line of dance. Continue rising smoothly, swaying right by stretching the right side upward from hip to armpit. Keep weight centered over the ball of the right foot during the turn.
Embrace the sway by elongating the right side, creating a graceful arch without leaning excessively. Maintain a supple frame, responding to the leader’s guidance through subtle back tension. Hold your head position to the right, enhancing the body line as the turn unfolds. Stay connected by keeping the ribcage aligned toward the leader.
Allow the heel turn to unfold naturally, trusting the leader’s support for rotation.
Count 3 (RF to side and slightly back):
Step side-and-slightly-back with the right foot, backing diagonally to the wall while completing 3/8 of the remaining left turn. Keep the body rotation slightly less than the feet, finishing with spine aligned over the hips. Lower gently through the toes at the count’s end, maintaining controlled momentum. Take a generous step to avoid lagging behind the leader.
Release sway gradually to neutral, ensuring the spine returns to vertical alignment. Sustain frame firmness through the arms and upper back, preventing collapse into the leader. Keep your head turned to the right, creating an elegant silhouette. Prioritize fluid coordination by matching the leader’s rise and fall.
Move decisively into the final position to ensure harmonious body flight.
General Notes
Core Points
- Initiate CBM on count 1 to lead the turn smoothly, preventing disjointed rotation.
- Step lengths must be controlled: too short on the man’s third step causes overturning; too short on the lady’s third step delays alignment.
- Rise progressively: start late on count 1, peak on count 2, and lower at count 3’s end for seamless elevation.
- Footwork precision is critical (e.g., man’s toe-heel on count 3 ensures balanced lowering).
- Body turn slightly less than feet to maintain partnership alignment and stability.
Advanced Elements
- Sway peaks on count 2: stretch the man’s left side and lady’s right side diagonally upward for elegance.
- Frame must remain expansive yet responsive, enabling silent communication through the arms and back.
- Head position enhances body lines: man faces the center/lady faces away to sculpt visual harmony.
- Musicality thrives in sustained momentum: avoid hovering on count 3 to preserve waltz’s lyrical flow.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man rushes turn on count 1 | Start rotation gradually, prioritizing controlled CBM over speed. |
| Lady collapses frame during heel turn | Strengthen upper back muscles to maintain consistent arm shape. |
| Incomplete turn by count 3 | Rotate feet decisively while keeping shoulders aligned with partner. |
| Uneven rise disrupting balance | Coordinate ascent: man rises through ankles, lady engages core. |
| Sway collapses into lean | Elongate the side body upward, not sideways, for a suspended curve. |
| Loose frame on count 2 | Maintain gentle inward elbow pressure and firm shoulder blades. |
| Lady steps diagonally back on count 1 | Retreat straight along the line of dance to preserve partnership track. |
| Musical hesitation on count 3 | Sustain energy through the lowering to match waltz’s flowing rhythm. |
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”.