Learn how to beautifully dance
the open telemark
This page gives detailed information on how to dance the Open Telemark 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 Telemark!
The Open Telemark by itself is sometimes a silver level Modern Waltz figure. However, it is frequently assessed only as part of an amalgamation: Open Telemark followed by Cross Hesitation, or Open Telemark followed by the Wing.
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 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 turn L | rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side | T | Backing LOD | DC | just under 3/8 (1→2) | L | Up | Closed | |
| 3 | 3 | LF to side | T H | Facing DW | LOD | just over 3/8 (2→3) body turns less | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Open 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 | T H | Facing DC | LOD | 3/8 (2→3) body turns more | 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 facing DC (as described above)
Following Figures
Ended in PP ready to move LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Weave from Promenade Wing |
| Gold | *Closed Wing Left Whisk |
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 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”.