Back Whisk

Waltz Back Whisk

The Waltz Back Whisk is a Bronze 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

  1. Count 1: LF Back in CBMP | Backing DC against LOD | TH | -- | Sway(S) | slight CBM | start to rise e/o 1, NFR

    • Lower through R leg and hip to R using CBMP, allowing lady to step OP.

  2. Count 2: RF diag back | Backing DC against LOD | T | -- | Sway(L) | - | continue to rise on 2

    • Rotate upper body to right, leaving hip in same place. Isolate the upper body.

    • Point the foot in the finishing direction

  3. Count 3: LF crosses behind RF in PP | Facing DW | TH | -- | Sway(L) | -- | Up, lower e/o 3

Note: It is permissible for the man to start to draw the LF back with the Toe or Heel in contact with the floor when moving back to cross behind the RF on step 3.

Follower

  1. Count 1: RF fwd in CBMP, OP | Facing DC against LOD | HT | Begin to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | start to rise e/o 1

    • Into count 1: Lady activate L hip already, pick up/swing L lip. Ending L hip is lifted/higher.

    • Head look pass left elbow, big first step, stay left of Man.

    • Keep connection with Man.

  2. Count 2: LF to side | Facing Center | T | 1/8 between 1 and 2 | Sway(R) | -- | continue to rise on 2

    • This is a strong forward step, ending as a side step. Same direction as first step (drive through diagonally up with left side), then turn the hips, body stays, and head is the last to turn. stay behind man, both elbows still in front your body.

    • This step needs to be just big enough so that you don't become stuck in front Man. Keep step size in relation to Man. Use feet to rotate. Pull ab muscle back to spine. Shoulder does not rotate as much as hips. Dance underneath the rib cage.

    • Lift hips up to Man. Hips should have connection.

  3. Count 3: RF crosses behind LF in PP | FDC | TH | 1/8 between 2 and 3 | Sway(R) | -- | Up, lower e/o 3

    • Drag the toe along the floor right underneath the left foot.

    • Shoulder stay in line, parallel to Man; hip first should go over on the foot, then turn hip, head weight left; head is the last thing to turn; look "outside" PP. Don't tilt forward. body stays back. Give R ribs to Man.

    • Last step is small, it's just a hook and then settle on it.

Waltz Back Whisk - Turning to R

Leader

  1. Count 1: LF Back in CBMP | BDW | TH | start to turn R | Sway(S) | slight CBM | start to rise e/o 1, NFR

  2. Count 2: RF side and slightly back | FDW new LOD | T | 1/4 or 3/8 between 1-2, body turns less | Sway(L) | -- | continue to rise on 2

  3. Count 3: LF crosses behind RF in PP | DW new LOD | TH | body completes turn | Sway(L) | -- | Up, lower e/o 3

Follower

  1. Count 1: RF fwd in CBMP, OP | DW | HT | Begin to turn R | Sway(S) | CBM | start to rise e/o 1

  2. Count 2: LF to side | BDW on new LOD | T | 1/4 or 3/8 between 1-2 | Sway(R) | -- | continue to rise on 2

    • Drive, big step here as there is a lot to travel.

    • It's really more a fwd step (track LF next to RF), then turn.

    • Turn the hips, shoulders stay.

  3. Count 3: RF crosses behind LF in PP | FDC (new LOD) | TH | 1/4 between 2-3 | Sway(R) | -- | Up, lower e/o 3

    • Track toe of RF along the floor right underneath LF, then cross in the back.

    • Stay left into Man's R arm. don't get in front of him.

    • Head is the last thing to turn, at end of "3".

Note:

    • The first two steps are just like the second half of a natural turn.

    • The last step should land with the ball of the left foot under the man's right shoulder, pointing in the appropriate direction for promenade position.

    • Count "2": need to really drive, big step, otherwise, the ending alignment will be funny and Man needs to use Chasse from PP to adjust alignment. Preceding half of Natural Turn could over turn, ending Man backing DW.

Preceding Figures

  1. Back Lock

  2. Cross Hesitation

  3. Drag Hesitation

  4. Hover Corte

  5. Left Whisk

  6. Natural Turn

  7. Progressive Chasse To R

  8. Reverse Corte

Following Figures

  1. Chasse From Promenade Position (Standard Chasse From Promenade or moving DC to follow with Closed Wing)

  2. Weave From Promenade Position (after 1-2 moving to center after Whisk turned to face DC, OR, steps 1-2 moving DC after Whisk turned to face LOD)

  3. Wing

  4. Left Whisk

  5. Cross Hesitation