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] Both have a heel turn for the man, that is, he turns on his left heel on the second beat.
Closed impetus
- Leader (man)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left foot back | Backing line of dance | Begin to turn to right | Toe – heel |
| 2 | Close right foot to left foot (heel turn) | Facing diagonal center | 3⁄8 turn to right between 1 and 2 | Heel – toe |
| 3 | Left foot side and slightly back | End backing diagonal center against line of dance | 1⁄4 turn to right between 2 and 3 | Toe – heel |
| 1 | Right foot back | Backing diagonal center against line of dance | Toe |
- Follower (lady)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right foot forward | Facing line of dance | Begin to turn to right | Heel – toe |
| 2 | Left foot to side | Backing diagonal center | 3⁄8 turn to right between 1 and 2 | Toe |
| 3 | Right foot diag forward having brushed to left foot | Backing diagonal wall | 1⁄4 turn to right between 2 and 3 | Toe – heel |
| 1 | Left foot forward | Backing diagonal wall | Heel |
Open impetus
The open impetus is a Silver syllabus variation on the closed impetus.
- Leader (man)
Begin in closed position, backing line of dance.
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left foot back | Backing line of dance | Begin to turn to right | Toe – heel |
| 2 | Close right foot to left foot (heel turn) | Facing diagonal center | 3⁄8 turn to right between 1 and 2 | Heel – toe |
| 3 | Left foot diagonally forward in promenade position (PP) | diagonal center | Toe – heel |
- Follower (lady)
Begin in closed position, facing line of dance.
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right foot forward | Facing line of dance | Begin to turn to right | Heel – toe |
| 2 | Left foot side. Brush right foot to left foot | Facing diagonal wall against line of dance | 3⁄8 turn to right between 1 and 2 | Toe |
| 3 | Right foot side in PP | diagonal center | 3⁄8 turn to right between 2 and 3 (body turns less) | Toe – heel |