6. Side Whisks

Whisk is a generic term for a crossing of one foot behind the other. There are many types of Whisk in both American and International style; The Side Whisks are the most fundamental. They are so named because they begin on count 1 with a side step, followed by a rock step on counts 2 and 3 with feet in Whisk (crossed) position.

Many dance schools refer to Side Whisks as Fifth Position Breaks, as the crossed position of the feet is very close to what classically-trained dancers describe as Fifth Position. Another common name for this same figure is Side-Cross Hesitations, because although they are not taken with hesitation timing, the stationary nature of the rock step on counts 2 and 3 cause some people to perceive the action as a type of hesitation. They are also very similar to the basic Ballet action known as Balanc, and so another common alias is Balancs or Balance Steps.

Note: Although the man's and lady's parts describe the Side Whisks in succession, they can be isolated and danced in combination with other figures.

Whisks may be danced in closed position without turn, or opened to promenade and counter-promenade positions by having man and lady turn slightly (up to 1/8) in opposite directions. The Side Whisk to Left will open to counter-promenade at the end of step 1 (man turning to right, lady to left), while the Side Whisk to Right will open to promenade position (man turning to left, lady to right).

When Whisks are danced in succession or followed by another figure starting with a side step, no turn is necessary unless the man and lady have turned to promenade or counter-promenade position. In this case it would be necessary to turn the same amount in the opposite direction at the end of count 3. If the Side Whisk is to be followed by a figure starting with a forward step, the lady will turn 1/4 turn around the man (e.g. 1/4 to left following Side Whisk to Right) at the end of count 3, in order to blend the movement smoothly into the next figure.

Side Whisks may also be turned (man and lady in same direction) to left and right, up to 1/8 turn per Whisk. This can be useful for aligning oneself in the room to set up for figures with more specific alignment requirements, such as Twinkles, Cross-Body Leads and Side-by-Side Changes.

In addition to closed hold, Side Whisks are often danced in open facing position. Open Whisks can be taken with a one- or two-hand hold, using the same positions and amounts of turn as the Closed Whisks described above. When danced with a one-hand hold, a common variation involves turning opposite the normal direction (e.g. Side Whisk to Right with LH-RH hold turns to counter-promenade rather than promenade), resulting in a broader, fuller position.

International dancers take note: The Side Whisks of the bronze American Waltz syllabus are not the same as (or even similar to) the International version of the Whisk. About the only thing the two have in common is the foot crossing position that gives the Whisk its name. Everything else -- timing, rise & fall, overall function & character -- is very different. The closest Int'l style comparison to this figure is in fact the Samba Whisks.