Learn how to beautifully dance
the Closed Telemark
Silver Level Figure. A smooth left-turning figure ending in contra body movement position.
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The Closed Telemark is a graceful Silver-level figure that transitions dancers from diagonal center to diagonal wall with controlled rotation. It emphasizes fluid rise and fall, precise heel turns for the lady, and harmonious body flight. Like a sailboat gliding through a gentle curve, it balances momentum and poise.
For the full list of Quickstep figures corresponding to each medal level, see Quickstep Figure List.
Closed Telemark (Man)
Commence in Closed Position,
| # | Count | Alignment | Steps | Footwork | Turn | Rise & Fall | CBM | Sway | Moving | Position |
| 1 | S | com to turn | com to rise e/o 1 | |||||||
| 2 | Q | (1→2) | cont to rise | |||||||
| 3 | Q | (2→3 | cont to rise | |||||||
| 4 | S | body turns to R | Up. Lower e/o 4 |
Step 1 (Slow): Commence facing diagonal center; step forward with the left foot using heel-toe, starting a left turn with contra body movement. Rise slightly at the end of this step, maintaining neutral sway to stabilize rotation. Keep shoulders level and frame symmetrical, ensuring your right side guides the turn without leaning. Press firmly into the floor to initiate controlled rotation while keeping the frame connected and responsive.
Step 2 (Slow): Step side and slightly back with the right foot, backing line of dance, completing just under 1/8 left turn. Continue rising smoothly, swaying left to counteract centrifugal force. Sustain a firm yet flexible frame, with head turned slightly left to maintain partnership connection. Focus on controlled body flight, allowing the left side to lead the turn. Use sway to balance the turn while keeping hips under the torso for effortless elegance.
Step 3 (Slow): Step forward and across in contra body movement position outside partner with the left foot, pointing diagonal wall, with body turning less than feet. Lower at the end of this step, returning to neutral sway after a slight left sway. Maintain forward poise, head turned gently left, and ensure frame remains expansive to support the lady’s position. Drive through the ball of the foot to create seamless flow into the next figure.
Closed Telemark (Lady)
Commence in Closed Position,
| # | Count | Alignment | Steps | Footwork | Turn | Rise & Fall | CBM | Sway | Moving | Position |
| 1 | S | T | com to turn | com to rise e/o 1 | ||||||
| 2 | Q | (1→2) | cont to rise | |||||||
| 3 | Q | (2→3 | cont to rise | |||||||
| 4 | S | body turns to R | Up. Lower e/o 4 |
Step 1 (Slow): Start backing diagonal center; step back with the right foot using toe-heel, initiating a left turn with contra body movement. Rise slightly with no foot rise, keeping neutral sway and resisting overturning. Anchor the right shoulder blade into the man’s hand while allowing the left side to lift slightly. Engage core strength to step back without collapsing the frame or blocking the man’s lead.
Step 2 (Slow): Close left foot to right for a heel turn, facing line of dance, rotating 3/8 left between steps 1–2. Continue rising with right sway, pivoting smoothly on the ball of the right foot. Keep head poised left initially, then shape right as the body turns, ensuring frame remains connected but not rigid. Execute the heel turn slowly, delaying heel lowering to maximize control and grace.
Step 3 (Slow): Step side and slightly back with the right foot, backing diagonal wall, as the body completes a subtle additional left turn. Lower at the step’s end, maintaining light contact with the man to avoid crowding. Refine head position by turning left after the heel turn, sustaining elegant body lines through the shoulders. Step generously backward to create space for the man’s outside partner position.
General Notes
Core Points
- Lead with a strong forward step on “slow 1” using heel-toe; this anchors rotation.
- Complete just under 1/8 turn by step 2 to avoid over-rotation.
- Use contra body movement on step 3 for outside partner positioning.
- Lower smoothly at the end of step 3 to prepare for the next figure.
- Maintain consistent rise: start late on step 1, peak on step 2, and lower on step 3.
Advanced Elements
- Sway left on step 2 (man) and right on step 2 (lady) to balance momentum.
- Keep the frame expansive but responsive, especially during the lady’s heel turn.
- Coordinate head turns with body rotation for visual harmony.
- Prioritize body flight over foot placement to sustain flow.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Lady rushes heel turn | Slow heel lowering; match timing to “slow” counts. |
| Man over-turns step 2 | Limit rotation to 1/8 left; use sway, not force. |
| Uneven rise/fall | Rise late on step 1, lower gradually on step 3. |
| Collapsed frame in lady | Strengthen back muscles; anchor right shoulder. |
| Insufficient CBM on step 3 | Step across body; rotate shoulders opposite hips. |
| Poor musicality in SQQ timing | Practice S-S-S rhythm first; add quicks later. |
“Two feathers twirling in a shared breeze,
effortlessly changing direction yet never parting.”
Following Figures
Ready to move DC
| Bronze | |
| Silver | |
| Gold |
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 Turning Lock to Right 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”.