IDB 2015: Mastering the Heel Turn
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The purpose of a heel turn is to turn on the smallest possible spot. Turning on the heel anchors the turn.
Three Types of Heel Turn
- No Turn (exercise only)
- Say, “Back, close, forward,” then “Left, right, left” (or “RLR,” depending on the heel turn)
- Focus on the footwork/foot action, saying, “Toe-heel, heel-toe, toe-heel”
- Keep the heel on the floor all the way in to the close
- Say the timing, “SQQ” aloud
- Use no rise of the body. Stay flat at head level.
- Normal: End forward
- Overturned: End to the side (Examples: Double Reverse Spin, Closed Impetus, Closed Telemark)
Heel Turn Checklist (To be practiced at a wall, counter or barre, alternating directions)
- See 1-4 of No Turn exercise
- The foot does not close until the turn is completed. Do not turn with the feet together.
- Pick up the hip of the closing foot.
- Do not think of closing the feet. Let the turn close the legs to close the feet.
- The closing foot travels in an arc, not a straight line, on its way in to the close.
Partnering Heel Turns
- The Three Parts of Leading Heel Turns
- The leader completes his rise on step one
- Achieve tripod foot position on step two
- Raise the hip on step two (sway)
- The step back into a heel turn is big to keep from being knocked over backward on the close.
- Incremental Close Exercise: The leader closes his partner’s foot in tiny stages/increments
Heel Turn Practice Amalgamations
Foxtrot Basic Amalgamation
- Feather Step SQQ
- Reverse Turn SQQ SQQ
- Three Step SQQ
- 1-3 Natural Turn SQQ
- Closed Impetus and Feather Finish SQQ SQQ
Note: The leader’s heel turn uses pressure rise, meaning he closes flat, then presses down to go up, because of the lateness of his rise.
Reverse Heel Turn Amalgamation
- Reverse Turn SQQ SQQ
- 1-4 Reverse Turn SQQS
- Basic Weave QQQQQQ
- Reverse Wave SQQ SQQ
- Closed Impetus and Feather Finish SQQ SQQ
Heel Turn Overkill Amalgamation
Alternate the Closed Telemark (SQQ) with the Natural Telemark (SQQQQ).
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