Slow Foxtrot - Featherstep
As shown in the learning video
this ends with man's right foot
outside partner.
Question is, what simple step can
the man do next, for a smooth finish?
gudway@charter.net

A Reverse Turn is the obvious basic follow, Quick Open Reverse or Double Reverse Spin being alternatives. There are lots of possibilities.

Three step.( LOD or DW )

Terence. I think Gudway wanted to know what can be used after the Featherstep.
It might be worth enlightening him at this time just incase he reads a technique book. That the Featherstep in the book finishes on the LF and not the RF. And the Three Step starts on the man's RF. On the Feather it would have been so much easier if it had been written that the LF moves to a neutral position without a count and called it and. ( Four and )
At this time I have never heard of an explanation for this abnormality. Is it possible that Alex Moore coming from an era where the Featherstep had a Cross behind. ( The next step would have to be on the LF ) he just followed on with what was already in writting. Who knows.

Polished, perhaps it would be worth enlightening yourself by reading Guy Howard's technique book.
In there, the feather finishes on the man's RF and the three-step commences on the man's LF.

No problem, no abnormality, just sensible description.

SocialDancer. Both Alex Moore and Victor Silvester in their books both have the Feather Step finishing on the LF and the Three Step Starting on the RF.
Note. When the Three step is joined to any Natural figure the last of the Three Step becomes the first of the Natural Figure. ( Silvester ). We have the same on the Feather and also on a Feather Finish. What does the latest ISTD say.

The ISTD technique has many figures where the last step of one is also the first of another (ie they overlap). Guy Howard's technique (IDTA) eliminates the overlap, so that every figure is complete in itself.

There are small real differences between them, but not in the steps themselves. One notable difference is that the recent edition of Howard's book is full of typographical errors (did you know that the Sway for a Chasse from PP is 12&3?). His original work has been mangled by incompetent editors, who have made revisions which render the text, in places, laughable.

It's a dreadful study text (for students). Experienced professionals will only look quickly at the text for reference, and their prior knowledge will make them read what they think is on the page. Students read what is actually there, and frequently look baffled: and with good cause.

Bottom line is... techn. books were not "initially" designed for the student, but were there as a " guide" for prof. exam purposes, and to standardise technique .

And, the descriptions in both tomes, makes it evident, that in the hands of students ( and even some prof. ) the underlying meanings are sometimes completely lost.

They are at best GUIDES , and to literally describe even a basic feather, as you know , could occupy a whole page .

My suggestion to anyone who is studying the rudiments of the Standard dances, would be well served to read and digest Scriveners " Just One Idea " .

I'm not over familiar with the history of Moore's work for ISTD, but my old 10th Ed. of 'The Revised Technique' is very firmly written for students and with reference to the professional syllabus. It's emphatically NOT a reference text for qualified members.

As for the IDTA:

"the technique and theory required is that described in the 'Technique of Ballroom Dancing' by Guy Howard" (IDTA 2006 Pro' Syllabus), and

" ... I was asked by the IDTA to prepare a handbook ... for the use of candidates for Professional examinations. ... The book is a complete work. The candidate for the ... examination will find all that is necessary there-in" (Introduction, 1995).

Howard's work has never been anything except a study text - and I happen to think it dreadful for that purpose. I have never seen Howard's manuscript, of course, but what you get for your GBP30 in the current edition, as revised and printed, is very poor indeed.

Here's a direct quote (from description of poise - he only describes, and doesn't define): "... body inclined forward from the feet braced at the waist ..."

I have never succeeded in having my feet braced at the waist, but I do know how to punctuate a sentence.

I said what its " original " intent was .. we are aware that it took on a life of of its own.