I know in the past I have asked for clarification on what certain steps are called, because it seems that instructors tend to name the steps and variations differently in some cases.
My question this time is: Would a pivot turn (in closed position) and a telemark be considered pretty much the same? Or is there a more complete turn to one over the other?
Also, is there any type of technique to making these types of turns not look strained or choppy? I sometimes feel I am not on solid footing or something when trying to navigate these moves, and I worry about my partner being comfortable in terms of where her legs are. Oddly enough, we probably look better than we feel. But more often than not, if it doesn't feel right, it's not right.

First.... we dont " change " the names. If its Intern. style, then they are consistent thru out the world.

( amer. differs )

And , from your Q, I gather that you are new to the process. So... impatience is your name right now, thats normal, and the trials you are going thru are all part of developement.

Just dont expect immediate results with complex figures . There are no short cuts, and time, with good instruction, will rectify all ( or Most ) of the problems .

dheun. What you need to check first is the setup between you and your partner. There are five contact points one of which is the right area of the chest of each partner touches that of the other. In other words the lady is well to the man's right side. If you wish to see this go to Learn the Dances on this site and look and let it register. Next check that in the Foxtrot on the second quick of a Feather Step that you do have CBMP. You'd be suprised how many have their left shoulder more pointing to diag to centre againt the LOD instead of diag to centre with the LOD. This results in less than 3/8 of a turn on the Telemark or whatever. This is the only way to get a successful Reverse movement with all of the steps under the body, smooth effortless and not a wrestling match.
dheun. Just lately I have been concentrating on the Foxtrot. If I see a Hesitation Change in the Waltz I'll let you know.

The name game again. Yes, Americans can't decide what to call their steps, and I think you are asking about American style dancing. The first pivots usually taught in American style turn right. A Telemark turns left, so they are not the same. There is no American equivalent of a Telemark. That step could be taught by an instructor but this would be rare and not likely in a lower level class. There is a Hover Telemark and that is equivalent to an American style Twinkle.

Yes, I figured that we Americans were going to be less rigid about our descriptions and names for steps. But I don't think it is chaotic, just a little looser, I guess. Thanks for the explanation on the Telemark. That makes sense to me, and yes, the first pivots I learned here were turning to the right. And now that you mention it, a Telemark out of a Whisk in the waltz does turn left. I am relatively new to the more complex steps. And yes, you don't come close to seeing any of this in the lower level classes. There's just no way a beginner can do these. But terence is right. I do get impatient because I feel I am fairly advanced and should be able to do most of these things with some semblence of skill.

Hi Dheun
Your original question was a good one. You can have pivots turning to the left (reverse pivots) and it is a perfectly good question to ask how you would lead a reverse pivot rather than a telemark. as terenece has said, you're into more advanced material here. There are issues of rising (and lowering) and body shaping. You need a good teacher to work through these with you

To the newcomer dancers on the site...

technical q are seldom best served by ONLY the printed word .

You may or may not have noticed, that I seldom respond in Techn. detail.. why ?.. the nuances involved in most variations , would take a page to detail, and even then, it needs expert eyes to evaluate the message .

They are good Q in most cases, but do not expect to advance your knowledge to the degree required to accomplish these tasks, and even to embelish them.

There are many pitfalls in a partnership and you should whenever possible seek the advice.. in person.. of a qualif teacher .

O. K. Guys. On a Pivot there is no rise, so therefore there is no lowering. Also there is no Sway. There is CBMP. Stay verticle.

Isn't there also a difference in the footwork?

I'm certainly no expert but I seem to recall that the turn on the right foot for a telemark is done solely on the ball (get it?) while it's the typical ball-heel-ball (or toe-heel-toe if you prefer) for a pivot.

jj

NO... the f/work for open t/mark...

HT.. T.. T/H ( making sure that the heel does NOT lower before the passing foot " collects .