Title: 1-3 Heel Pivot Level: Pre-Bronze (ISTD); (?)(IDTA) Timing: (SQQ) Rotation: Up to 1/4 to Left
Title: 1-4 Heel Pivot Level: Pre-Bronze (ISTD); (?)(IDTA) Timing: (SQQS) Rotation: Up to 1/4 to Left
Notes The Heel Pivot is listed in the 'Additional Figures' section of the ISTD syllabus. This is because it is not a required figure for examination. For the sake of competition and choreography, it can be used just like any other figure.
History The Heel Pivot (or Quarter Turn to Left) was formerly part of the combination Quarter Turns, where it was danced after steps 1-4 of the Quarter Turn to Right. In the most recent editions of both the Ballroom Technique and The Quickstep and Basic Principles, the Quarter Turns have been split in two, presumably to facilitate the more popular combination of Quarter Turn to Right and Progressive Chassé.
Endings The Heel Pivot has two endings, depending on the orientation of the figure: -Facing DW: Dance 1-4 Heel Pivot into any Natural Figure, beginning with the Man's RF forward (Lady's LF back). -Facing LOD or DC: Dance 1-3 Heel Pivot into any Reverse Figure, beginning with the Man's LF forward (Lady's RF back).
IDTA Styling Guy Howard's The Quickstep and Basic Principles lists two interesting possibilities for styling the Heel Pivot: 1. The Man may use a rondé action while closing his feet on steps 2-3. 2. The Lady may replace her part with steps 1-3 of a Wing.
The Ballroom Technique makes no mention of these variations. We recommend asking instructor and/or an adjudicator before using these in an ISTD syllabus competition.
IDTA Syllabus: The Heel Pivot (IDTA: Quarter Turn to Left) is listed under 'Additional Figures' in The Quickstep and Basic Principles by Guy Howard. It is not specified at which level it is to be danced.
Video Example 1
Notes -1C shows the Heel Pivot (Quarter Turn to Left) ending DW. -1D shows the Heel Pivot (Quarter Turn to Left) ending DC.
