Learn how to beautifully dance
the whisk
Bronze Level Figure. A graceful transition into promenade
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The Whisk elegantly shifts partners from closed to promenade position, creating dynamic movement and setting up subsequent figures. Its controlled sway and rise-and-fall embody the waltz’s lyrical quality, like two swans gliding into mirrored alignment. Mastery ensures seamless flow and partnership harmony.
For the full list of Modern Waltz figures corresponding to each medal level, see Figure List for Modern Waltz.
Whisk (Man)
Commence in Closed Position, facing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | LF fwd | H T | Facing DW | DW | 1 | com to rise e/o 1 | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | RF to side & slightly fwd | T | Facing DW | Wall | L | cont to rise | Closed | ||
| 3 | 3 | LF crosses behind RF | T H | Facing DW | under body | body turn to R | L | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Count 1
Step forward diagonally to the wall on the left foot, using heel-to-toe action with slight CBM to initiate the lady’s turn. Keep the body upright and moving smoothly along the line of dance, commencing rise at the step’s end. Press gently with the right hand against the lady’s left side to signal the promenade transition, ensuring no premature upper-body rotation. Maintain forward momentum while preparing for the side step, avoiding rushed weight transfer.
Anchor the frame steadily to lead without force, allowing the lady to respond naturally.
Count 2
Move the right foot sideward and slightly forward, aligning toward the wall with toe action, continuing the rise. Guide the lady into promenade by rotating the upper body right while keeping hips forward; avoid stepping purely sideways to prevent abrupt directional shifts. Let the left foot slide slightly without weight to preserve balance and fluidity.
Sway left as the body opens, right side leading lightly, while the frame remains connected and supportive. Sustain rise through controlled ankle extension, ensuring the head looks toward the direction of travel.
Focus on upper-body rotation to lead the turn, not foot placement alone.
Count 3
Cross the left foot tightly behind the right, landing on toe-heel in promenade position facing diagonally to the wall. Complete the rise, then lower smoothly at the step’s end, keeping knees softly flexed and weight centered. Hold left sway, inclining the body slightly left without leaning backward, with hips lifted toward the lady.
Preserve a compact promenade frame—shoulders parallel to the lady’s—and direct gaze along the promenade line. Ensure feet point parallel, avoiding outward splaying.
Keep the crossed feet close and weight forward for poised readiness into the next figure.
Whisk (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position, backing DW.
| # | Steps | Alignment | Moving | CBM | Turn | Sway | Rise & Fall | Position | ||
| 1 | 1 | RF back | T H | Backing DW | DW | – | com to rise e/o 1. NFR | Closed | ||
| 2 | 2 | LF diag back | T | Pointing DC | Wall | – | 1/4 to R (1→2) body turns less | R | cont to rise | Closed |
| 3 | 3 | RF crosses behind LF | T H | Facing DC | under body | – | R | Up. Lower e/o 3 | PP |
Count 1
Step back diagonally to the wall on the right foot with toe-heel action, rising at the step’s end (no foot rise). Respond to the man’s right-hand pressure by preparing to turn, keeping shoulders square to him until signaled. Move backward decisively but without jerking, maintaining consistent body flight.
Stay upright with neutral sway, head left over the man’s shoulder, and frame resilient to his lead.
Trust the lead’s pressure on the left side—do not anticipate the turn.
Count 2
Step diagonally back on the left foot with toe action, turning feet a quarter-right between steps 1–2 while the body rotates less. Continue rising, tracking the foot under the body to avoid overstepping, and allow hips to pivot as the man guides. Sway right as the left side leads, keeping the upper body aligned with the man.
Engage the core to stabilize the rise, and delay the head turn until step 3.
Let the legs and hips turn first; the upper body follows the lead.
Count 3
Cross the right foot snugly behind the left, landing on toe-heel in promenade position facing diagonally to center. Complete the body turn and right sway, lowering smoothly with weight fully on the right foot. Lift the left hip slightly toward the man, keeping shoulders level and spine elongated.
Turn the head late to face the promenade direction, chin lifted as if “going over the moon.” Sustain frame contact without collapsing the right shoulder forward.
Accept weight fully on the crossed foot to enable a powerful forward exit.
General Notes
Core Elements
- First-step momentum (forward/back) must be decisive to anchor balance and lead clarity.
- Rise starts late on step 1, peaks on step 2, and lowers at step 3’s end for fluid elevation.
- Man’s CBM on step 1 initiates the turn; the lady follows without independent rotation.
- Alignment: Begin/end facing diagonally to wall (man)/center (lady) unless adapting for corners.
Advanced Principles
- Sway (left for man, right for lady) begins on step 2 and holds through step 3, creating elegant opposition.
- Maintain a unified frame during promenade transition—avoid “opening” shoulders toward the wall or LOD.
- Head movement for the lady is the final flourish: delayed, smooth, and arcing upward.
| Common mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Man takes a purely side step on count 2 | Step slightly forward to maintain momentum, not abruptly sideways. |
| Lady over-turns feet early on count 2 | Let feet rotate only a quarter-right; complete body turn on count 3. |
| Incomplete rise on count 2 | Extend ankles fully to achieve peak elevation before lowering. |
| Collapsed sway on count 3 | Sustain body inclination until step completion for visual poise. |
| Broken frame in promenade | Keep shoulders parallel to partner, not angled toward LOD. |
Preceding Figures
Commenced facing DW (as described above)
| Bronze | Double Reverse Spin Hesitation Change (at a corner) Reverse Turn |
| Silver | Reverse Pivot Wing (at a corner) |
| Gold | Closed Wing Fallaway Reverse & Slip Pivot |
Following Figures
Ready to move down LOD (as described above)
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Cross Hesitation Wing |
| Gold | Left Whisk |
Ready to move DC
| Bronze | Chasse from Promenade |
| Silver | Weave from Promenade Cross Hesitation 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 Whisk 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”.