ALL prom. movements have the same or similar characteristic-- the " battle " for space.

The mans right side( hip ) should be slightly in front of the ladies left .The distribution of weight between L and R foot for man will determine the exit strategy and should prevent the lady from dominating the position.
Also , I would describe the 3rd step, as side and slightly forward .I believe what John is saying, is to " brace " the left arm .
its also good to remember- much of teaching at advanced levels, is theory .

lastly-- the dynamic in open tele. in waltz and f/t has a substantially different cause and effect .

Hi Terence
Would you please expand on what you said about man's distribution of weight affecting the exit strategy and preventing the lady dominating?
I'm not happy with my open telemark in slow waltz

The inherent danger in Prom position in W and F/trot ( moreso in waltz ) is the poise that needs to be established between the feet .

When judging, I frequently see the "early collapse" of the fwd foot, caused by the fwd poise and balance not controlled between the feet . .

The suspension required in Waltz, is often affected by weakness in the foot/ankles-- the F/t trot has a similar problem-- but-- this having a more free flowing fwd dynamic, presents a new set of problems --

not " collecting the weight as the step continues thru to its next destination , can very often be a major contributor to this action of early lowering-- particularly in W.

As an exercise-- try keeping your weight divided between the feet ( with suspension ) on 2 AND 3 -- learn to lower and " swing thru from that position ( the lady obviously has to contribute in a same manner ) the figure that follows can also determine the exit speed .

Your particular problem might have other factors, that should be taken into account .

analysis in this format ,is like describing an elephant to a blind person .

Hi Terence
Thanks. i appreciate the elephant analogy, but it's amazing how the odd word, spoken at just the right time, can have a huge benefit.

Lets go through a simple routine. Open Imputus Turn. First three steps of the Natural, A step to the side on 2 and 3. The third step of the Open Imputus is a step to the side. The third step of the Reverse Weave is a step to the side. The next third step of the Weave is also a step to the side. Finish with a Chasse in Pomenade.There is a definite pattern there isn't there.How many of you are taking thoes side steps to the back or front. One way to find out if this gives a better action of the legs and feet is to do it. All of the above I have been told. If there is any struggling for space in a Promenade then something is wrong. Either one of you or both are doing something wrong. It will be the steps and the direction of those steps.

paul and dot. A very common fault for the lady is once she sees where she wishes to go she stops turning. This is a mistake. They will be under turning the movement. A sure indication that this mistake has been done is if the lady is looking through the middle of the partnership instead of the outside.
It doesn't have to be done this way, but it does prove a point. As the lady does the first step of the Open Telemark she will be looking to her left. If she can spot something on the wall and keep looking at it and let the shoulders and body rotate whilst keeping the head absolutely still she won't be far wrong. Good Luck

Your statement "The distribution of weight between L and R foot for man will determine the exit strategy and should prevent the lady from dominating the position". As a lady I do not have much difficulty with PP after Open Telemark because I have just completed a Heel turn and waiting for Gent to step on 3. But I do have problem with Open Impetus and also Hover Telemark ended PP. After taking 1st step into 2nd I am not sure how long I need to keep my weight on 2nd step. I sometimes feel Gent does not allow enough time for my weight to be on step 2. Your exercise "try keeping your weight divided between the feet ( with suspension) on 2 AND 3. Does this mean weight is divided equally on both feet?

Anne. If you are to do both the Open Telemark and the Open Imputus correctly there is Sway on that third step, often neglected. If you want to see how much sway is used I would say a good role model would be Marcus Hilton.
Don't forget there is Sway to the left ( ladies right ) on two three in the Whisk which is also often neglected

On the contrary-- Scrivener ( and I ), would disagree with your "sway " analogy .
There are inherent dangers present when advising anyone, in the written word- about the use of sway .

And using a world class Pro. as an e.g.
is akin to throwing a toddler in the swimming pool and say " go swim " !

Surely you are not saying that there should be no sway on the Whisk Open Telemark and Open Imputeus. As you are probably aware to get the better picture it should be viewed in slow motion. Sway correctly used on 2 3 of a Whisk will stop a couple from going over the top on step three. For those who are interested the man is now being taught by some to shape the RF before it arrives on step two. interesting isn't it.