Learn how to beautifully dance
the open impetus
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Open Impetus 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 Open Impetus!
The Open Impetus 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.
Open Impetus (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, backing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF back | T H | Backing LOD | LOD | com to turn R | Closed | |||
| 2 | 2 | RF closes to LF (heel turn) | H T | Facing DC | under body | 3/8 (1→2) | rise e/o 2 | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF to side | T H | Facing LOD | DC | 1/8 (2→3) | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Technical Notes (for the Man)
Open Impetus (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, facing LOD.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF fwd | H T | Facing LOD | LOD | com to turn R | Closed | |||
| 2 | 2 | LF to side, then brush RF to LF | T | Backing DC | DW | 3/8 (1→2) | R | rise e/o 2 | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | RF to side | T H | Pointing Centre | DC | 3/8 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Technical Notes (for Lady)
General Notes
See also general technical notes on Modern Waltz technique, and also general Modern Ballroom technique.
Preceding Figures
Commenced backing LOD (as described above)
Commenced backing DW
(turn only 1/4 between steps 1-2 to end at correct alignment)
| Bronze | Back Lock Progressive Chasse to R Reverse Corte |
| Silver | *Drag Hesitation |
Following Figures
Ready to move DC (as described above)
| Bronze | Chasse from PP |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Weave from PP Wing |
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 Open 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”.