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22. Open Natural Turn
Fact Sheet
Official Name:Open Natural Turn
Dance / Level:Beginning Silver American Style Waltz
Aliases:Open Right Turn, Open Right Box, Continuity Right Turn, Continuity Box
Suggested
Prerequisites:
None

Like the Open Reverse Turn, the Open Natural Turn is the silver counterpart to the bronze Box, but in this case, it is the silver version of the Right Box Turn. It is also a figure consisting of 6 steps, with steps 3 and 6 being passing steps. But one of the interesting differences is that these steps are not taken outside partner, as in the Open Reverse. Rather, they are preparing the outside partner position, which actually takes place on the following step -- step 4, and the first step of the following figure.

In its basic form, the figure begins with the man and lady in-line, with man facing, and lady backing diagonal wall, and they turn 3/8 to right over the first 3 steps, so that the man is backing, lady facing line of dance. Step 4 is taken with the lady stepping forward outside partner, and they turn another 3/8 to end with man facing, lady backing diagonal center. The first step of the following figure will also begin with the man stepping forward outside partner.

Either step 1 or 4 can also begin either with the man and lady in-line or outside partner, depending on the movement preceding. For example, if a basic Closed Change or a Three Step precedes an Open Natural, the first step of the Open Natural will begin where the preceding figure left off, with man and lady in-line. If the Open Natural is preceded by a Passing Change or another Open Natural at a corner, the first step is taken outside partner.

Likewise, if steps 4-6 of an Open Natural follow steps 1-3 of a basic Right Box Turn, then step 4 of the Open Natural will begin with man and lady in-line. The step following either half of the Open Natural will always begin outside partner, because both halves of the Open Natural end with man and lady set up for this position.

The Open Natural Turn as written is not considered a repeatable figure in Waltz, however there are a couple of exceptions: If taken at a corner, the Open Natural finishes facing diagonal wall of the new line of dance, and so it can be repeated once. It's also possible to turn the Natural 1/2 to right per measure as in Viennese Waltz. However this is not a very common practice in Slow Waltz. It is generally preferrable to alternate between right and left turns, each turning 3/4 total, and using either basic Forward Changes or Continuity Runs to connect the turns. See the step description of Continuity Runs for a detailed breakdown of this combination.

22b. Open Natural Turn from PP

The Open Natural Turn can be taken beginning in promenade position. In this case the leader will turn to the right around the follower, closing up the position. If begun moving down line of dance with leader facing diagonal wall, he will turn 3/8 to end backing the line of dance. The follower has considerably less turn, beginning facing diagonal wall and turning only 1/8 to face line of dance.

Notable in the Open Natural Turn from Promenade is the body's turn in relation to the feet. The leader begins in promenade position and ends with a right side leading as he prepares to begin the following figure with partner outside, so his body at both the beginning and end of the figure is turned slightly to the right. However that position is not held constand throughout: His feet should turn slightly more between steps 1-2, squaring off to the body, and the right side lead is then resumed between steps 2-3.

The follower, although only turning 1/8 in total in the feet, will have to turn the body considerably more overall. She begins with her body turned sligtly to left in promenade position, then squares off to her feet between steps 1-2. She then continues turning her body slightly to right between steps 2-3 to finish with a left side leading on 3, in preparation to step outside partner on the first step of the following figure.

 

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