Impetus (Waltz)
The impetus is a ballroom dance step used in the Waltz, FoxTrot or Quickstep. The open impetus is one of several ways to get into promenade position and is used to turn dancers around corners or change their direction on the dance floor. It is often performed after a natural turn.[1]
The open impetus has less turn than the closed impetus. The closed impetus remains in closed position, while the open impetus ends in an open promenade position.[2]
Closed Impetus
- Leader (Man)
| Step # | Foot Position | Alignment | Amount of Turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LF back | Backing LOD | Begin to turn to right | TH |
| 2 | Close RF to LF (heel turn) | Facing DC | 3/8 turn to right between 1-2 | HT |
| 3 | LF side & slightly back | End Backing DC against LOD | 1/4 turn to right between 2-3 | TH |
| 1 | RF back | Backing DC against LOD | T | |
- Follower (Woman)
| Step # | Foot Position | Alignment | Amount of Turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF fwd | LOD | Begin to turn to right | HT |
| 2 | LF to side | Backing DC | 3/8 turn to right between 1-2 | T |
| 3 | RF diag fwd having brushed to LF | Backing DW | 1/4 turn to right between 2-3 | TH |
| 1 | LF fwd | Backing DW | H | |
Open Impetus
The open impetus is a Silver syllabus variation on the closed impetus.
- Leader (Man)
Begin closed position, backing LOD.
| Step # | Foot Position | Alignment | Amount of Turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LF back. | Backing LOD | Begin to turn to right | TH |
| 2 | Close RF to LF (heel turn) | Facing DC | 3/8 turn to right between 1-2 | HT |
| 3 | LF diagonally forward in promenade position | DC | TH | |
- Follower (Woman)
Begin closed position, facing LOD.
| Step # | Foot Position | Alignment | Amount of Turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF forward | LOD | Begin to turn to right | HT |
| 2 | LF side. Brush RF to LF | Facing DW against LOD | 3/8 turn to right between 1-2 | T |
| 3 | RF side in promenade position | DC | 3/8 turn to right between 2-3 (body turns less) | TH |
References
External Links
Victor Veyrasset and Heather Smith demonstrating the open impetus
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