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Left Whisk

Waltz Left Whisk

Waltz Left Whisk is a Gold Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, footwork, alignment, and movement; steps diagram; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader

Step Timing Movement
Alignment Footwork Turn Sway CBM Rise & Fall
 Notes
1
 1 RF fwd and across in PP and CBMP FDW, moving along LOD H
- - -
2 2 LF to side and slightly fwd Pointing DW TH Body start to turn L - - -  
3 3 RF crosses behind LF FDW T Body turn to L - - - Man looks towards Lady's face, not over her R shoulder.
Man's RH will lower as the next step is taken.

Follower

Step Timing Movement 
 Alignment Footwork Turn Sway CBM Rise & Fall
 Notes
1
 1 LF fwd and across in PP and CBMP Facing DC, moving along LOD HT start to turn L - CBM -
2 2 RF to side and slightly back BDW TH 1/4 btwn 1-2 -
- RF forward, shape to R and close with Man, then R hip glued to Man. Follow hip curve.
3 3 LF back in CBMP BLOD TH 1/8 btwn 2-3 -
- To produce big shape:

Hip/body turns to L, but not too much, hip stays with Man. take step LF back (along original travel direction, don't go around Man), move weight back to LF (this is a step, otherwise you'll block Man), collect RF (crossed in front of LF, w/o weight).

Butt and hip fwd to Man, don't turn out of Man. Hips stop turning, but body can continue to turn more to shape/sway without changing base. Contra within own body. R rib and hips fwd to Man and shape to L (w/o turning hips more), R side of body is longer.

Head turns well to left and extend (without body peeling from Man) to finish the extension.

Keep arm/elbow forward (check R elbow angle), give it to Man. Don't break shoulder.

Alternative - Man start with RF back, BLOD

Leader

Step Timing Movement 
 Alignment Footwork Turn Sway CBM Rise & Fall
 Notes
1
 1 RF back BLOD TH Start to turn L - CBM -
2 2 LF to side and slightly fwd Pointing DW TH 3/8 btwn steps 1-2, body turns less - - -  
3 3 RF crosses behind LF FDW T Body turn to L - - - Man looks towards Lady's face, not over her R shoulder.
Man's RH will lower as the next step is taken.

Follower

Step Timing Movement 
 Alignment Footwork Turn Sway CBM Rise & Fall
 Notes
1
 1 LF fwd FLOD HT start to turn L - CBM -
2 2 RF to side and slightly back BDW TH 3/8 btwn 1-2 -
-  
3 3 LF back in CBMP BLOD TH 1/8 btwn 2-3 -
- Lady may overturn slightly to L on step 3 and turn her head well to the L.

Variation: Left Whisk on Count 1 with Contra Check

Man:
  • Dance Natural Spin Turn  (123) and 1-4 of Turning Lock (1&2 3): end with: LF to side pointing DW
  • 1: Cross RF behind LF into Left Whisk
  • 2: Replace weight to LF
  • 3: RF to side and slightly fwd pointing DW against LOD
  • 1: LF fwd into Contra Check DW against LOD
  • Continue with steps 2-3 Contra Check turning 1/4 to L.
Lady:
  • Dance Natural Spin Turn  (123) and 1-4 of Turning Lock (1&2 3): end with: RF to side pointing DC
  • 1: turning L, cross LF behind RF into Left Whisk. Lady's head to Left. On ball of LF. The step is not too big (not as big as contra check). Weight in middle.
  • 2: RF fwd. Head keep left.
  • 3: LF side. Lady finish inline. (need to step enough around Man), head can keep left, or turn to right, make sure left side is very up. Chest is up to Man. Heel down.
  • 1: RF back into Contra Check 
  • Continue with steps 2-3 Contra Check.