Learn how to beautifully dance
the CLOSed WING
Gold Level Figure. Lady’s wing-like extension from man’s stationary pivot with sway.
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The Closed Wing is a Gold-level figure emphasizing controlled rotation and harmonious sway, often used to transition into promenade positions. Its elegance lies in the lady’s graceful extension around the man, who anchors the turn with minimal displacement. Like a swan gliding around its reflection, this figure blends stillness with fluid motion. Mastery enhances musical expression in waltz routines.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see 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 |
Count 1 (RF forward in CBMP, Outside Position):
Step forward along the line of dance with the right foot in contra body movement position, maintaining outside position with a heel lead. Keep shoulders parallel to the lady, applying gentle forward poise through the frame. Rotate the upper body slightly leftward to initiate the upcoming turn, ensuring rise begins at the end of the beat through ankle and knee extension. Maintain consistent upper-body contact while allowing hip freedom for the lady’s movement.
Count 2 (Draw LF toward RF):
Draw the left foot toward the right without transferring weight, continuing a smooth leftward body rotation as the lady moves around. Keep the right foot flat with pressure on the inside edge, sustaining rise through controlled leg tension. Sway minimally to the right to balance the lady’s motion, directing her with a stable frame. Avoid stepping sideways; use core engagement to stabilize the pivot.
Count 3 (LF closes to RF without weight):
Close the left foot to the right with no weight, completing the body rotation to face the lady squarely in outside position. Lower smoothly at the end of the beat by flexing knees, retaining right sway to support the lady’s forward step. Keep the head left and upright, preserving frame integrity. Ensure rotation stems from the torso, not the feet.
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 |
Count 1 (LF back in CBMP):
Step back along the line of dance with the left foot in contra body movement position, lowering through the heel with slight left-side lead. Rise smoothly at the end of the beat, keeping the head turned slightly left and maintaining a backward-poised upper body. Resist collapsing the frame; sustain elastic resistance through the shoulders.
Count 2 (RF to side and slightly back):
Step diagonally back and to the side with the right foot, using the toe with a small, controlled movement directly under the body. Increase left sway as the man pivots, continuing rise while keeping shoulders level and parallel to the man. Keep the step compact—overstepping disrupts balance.
Count 3 (LF forward in CBMP, Outside Position):
Step forward against the line of dance with the left foot in contra body movement position, landing on the toe-heel as the body turns left into outside position. Sustain left sway, extending the right leg elegantly backward in the “wing” position while lowering at the end of the beat. Keep the head lifted and left, with the spine elongated away from the man. Prioritize sway over rotation for seamless flow.
General Notes
Core Points
- Lead the forward step in CBMP with heel-toe action to ensure controlled momentum.
- Minimize the man’s lateral movement; his role is to pivot, not travel.
- Time the rise gradually across beats 1–2 and lower at the end of beat 3.
- Apply contra body movement on the first step to initiate rotation.
- The lady’s second step must stay small to avoid destabilizing the pivot.
- Complete the turn via body rotation, not foot displacement.
Advanced Elements
- Right sway for the man and left for the lady creates counterbalance during rotation.
- The lady’s “wing” extension requires maintained frame tension to avoid leaning.
- Head position (lady left, man slightly left) enhances visual lines.
- Musicality: The wing’s climax aligns with the strong third beat.
- Flow: Transition smoothly into promenade figures using the sway’s momentum.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man steps sideways on count 2 | Draw feet together without weight shift. |
| Lady overextends step 2 | Keep step under the body’s centre. |
| Incomplete body turn | Rotate shoulders fully left by count 3. |
| Rise too abrupt | Ascend gradually across beats 1–2. |
| Sway omitted or excessive | Apply subtle, sustained lateral incline. |
| Frame collapses in pivot | Strengthen back muscles for stability. |
| Musical rush on beat 3 | Extend the wing position fully to music. |
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”