Learn how to beautifully dance
the open impetus
The Open Impetus is a foundational figure that gracefully transitions dancers from closed position to promenade position, embodying the waltz’s elegance and dynamic flow. It serves as a versatile bridge into advanced sequences while emphasizing partnership and rotational harmony. Like a timeless clockwork, it balances momentum and control to create the appearance of effortless beauty.
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 book “Ballroom Technique” and 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 |
Count 1 (LF back):
Step back onto your left foot along the line of dance, backing diagonal wall, using a toe-heel footwork while initiating a right turn with contra body movement. Maintain neutral sway and a strong frame, keeping your shoulders level as you prepare for the heel turn. Ensure your weight transfers fully backward without leaning, allowing your right foot to gather smoothly. Rise minimally here, focusing on grounding through your standing leg. Keep your upper body stable and connected to your partner, guiding her forward momentum into the turn without rushing.
Count 2 (RF closes to LF):
Close your right foot to your left foot with a heel turn, completing a 3/8 right turn between counts 1 and 2 to face diagonal center. Use heel-toe footwork, rising at the end of the step as your body shifts to left sway. Keep your hips aligned under your shoulders, avoiding any forward pitch, and let the turn originate from your core. Sustain gentle pressure through your right hand to guide the follower’s path. Anchor your frame as you stop your backward travel, allowing her momentum to rotate you both as a single unit.
Count 3 (LF diag. fwd in PP):
Step diagonally forward with your left foot into promenade position, pointing diagonal center with your body facing line of dance, and lower smoothly to toe-heel. Use minimal body turn to the right, releasing left sway into neutral alignment while extending your left side to shape the promenade. Keep your right side gently curved toward your partner, ensuring your shoulders remain parallel to hers. Lead with your left hip and maintain a softly curved frame to create space for her movement, ensuring seamless flow into the next figure.
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 |
Count 1 (RF fwd):
Step forward along the line of dance onto your right foot, using heel-toe footwork with contra body movement as you start a right turn. Stay in closed position with neutral sway, matching the leader’s frame without anticipating the rotation. Extend through your spine to create a sweeping, controlled motion, rising slightly as you move. Move decisively forward with full weight transfer, trusting his lead to initiate the turn while keeping your head poised left.
Count 2 (LF to side):
Step side onto your left foot backing diagonal center, turning 3/8 right between counts 1 and 2 with toe footwork, rising and swaying right. Delay your head turn to the right until the step concludes, extending your left side for balance before lifting it to initiate rotation. Keep your right shoulder connected to the leader, avoiding any collapse in your frame. Take an ample step to maintain centrifugal balance, letting your body unwind fluidly like a silk ribbon.
Count 3 (RF to side in PP):
Brush your right foot to your left, then step side onto your right foot into promenade position, facing center and moving diagonal center with toe-heel footwork. Lower gently while keeping shoulders tilted toward the leader, lifting your left hip subtly to create upward rotation in your torso. Maintain neutral sway, with your head turned right and eyes directed along your arm line. Focus on elongating your right side and rotating your ribs upward, as if lifting toward sunlight, to achieve effortless poise.
General Notes
Key Points
- Leader: Stop your backward momentum on count 2; close your feet firmly for the heel turn.
- Follower: For dramatic effect, delay your head turn until the end of count 2.
- Both: Transfer weight fully on each step—no “hovering.”
- Rise & fall: late on count 2; lower gradually end of count 3.
- Frame: Maintain consistent frame pressure to avoid gaping in promenade position.
Advanced Elements
- Shape promenade position with gentle opposition: leader’s left side vs. follower’s right extension.
- Synchronize body rotation: The Leader halts while follower continues moving to create centrifugal force.
- Emphasize “upward rotation” in the torso for elegance, not just shoulder tilting.
- Keep ankles soft during lowering to absorb momentum silently.
- Musicality: Stretch the second beat for expressive sway; arrive early on count 3 for stillness.
“Like a flower unfurling its petals in the morning sun.”
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”.