Learn how to beautifully dance
the CLOSed WING
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Closed Wing in the Modern Waltz.
It includes the requisite timing, steps, footwork, alignment, turn, rise & fall, contrary body movement, sway, direction of movement, and hold — for both the Man/Leader and the Lady/Follower, as per “The Ballroom Technique” publication.
It also contains written 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 Wing!
The Closed Wing is usually a gold 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 Wing (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd in CBMP | H T | Facing LOD | LOD | – | – | OP | ||
| 2 | 2 | Draw LF toward RF | F | Facing LOD | com to turn body to L | R | slight rise. NFR | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF closes to RF without weight | F | Facing LOD | cont to turn body to L | R | Slight rise. NFR lower e/o 3 | OP on L |
Technical Notes for Man
In step 1,
- Although step 1 is taken in CBMP, the feet twist as the step is taken and end crossed.
- Moving is DW almost LOD
- Footwork for LF could be HF or ball flat
In step 3,
- Turn may be made between 2→3 to end in Promenade Position moving Diagonal Centre.
Closed Wing (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back in CBMP | H T | Backing LOD | LOD | – | com to rise e/o 1 | OP | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side & slightly back (small step) | T | Backing LOD | Centre | – | L | cont to rise | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF fwd CBMP | T H | Facing against LOD | against LOD | Body to L | L | Up. Lower e/o 3 | OP on L |
Technical Notes for Lady
In step 1,
- keep upward and balanced poised position. Don’t try to pull your hip back to get around
- your backwsard poise with your head turn to your left should be maintained for the entire figure
In step 2,
- this step is small. Keep it underneath your body (remember, the Man is stationary)
In step 3,
- keep your head upward and leftward, and keep your poise back.
- Your left leg goes ahead of your body to the wing position
- Try not tho thing of your body rotating. Rather, think about sway.
- Try to keep your shoulders parallel to your partner’s.
Preceding Figures
Commenced Facing LOD (as described above)
Commenced Facing DW
Following Figures
Ended facing LOD (as described above)
Ended facing DW
| Bronze | Left Foot Closed Change Whisk |
| Silver | Drag Hesitation |
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 Wing 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”