Foxtrot question

[Chris_Broderick]

I have a quick question about a leaders step in foxtrot. When doing a natural turn to closed impetus I almost always fall off balance when starting the heel turn. Does anyone have any advice on keeping balance when doing the turn and also coming out on time (I'm consistently too fast when turning, which gives a jerky look and feel to it as I need to stop/slow for a moment to get back on time).

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

~Chris

[Chris Stratton]

This is a frequent difficulty, with at least one very common likely cause.

The rise in a leader's heel turn occurs at the end of step two, after the majority of the heel turn has been completed. This is in contrast to the rise in a follower's heel turn, which occurs at the end of step one, as the turn is really getting going. The reason is that a risen heel turn makes you rotationally unstable - a good thing if your partner is guiding the turn, a bad thing if you are. (another reason is that the rise helps indicate to the lady to close her feet; as leader, you already know if you want a heel turn, open heel pull, pivot, spin turn, or 456 waltz natural)

So keep your feet flat on the ground and your knees a bit flexed through the heel turn of the impetus. As you near your desired exit alignment, rise to absorb the turn and redirect towards where you want to go next.