The Fan consists of 6 steps. Commencing in Close Hold and finishing in Fan Position, recently restyled (latest revision of the technique book), this figure is now s a very useful and attractive movement.

Explanation of steps 1-3 for the man:

Step 1: Checked Forward Walk, this allows the man to change direction with little or no turn, he also uses an Allowing Lead.

Step 2: Weight transfer in place, therefore there will be no foot movement, only a body action.

Step 3: Backward Walk Turning, the turn should be made near the end of a walk (turning 1/8 to left).

Explanation of steps 1-3 for the lady:

Step 1: Backward Walk. Because of the man’s Allowing Lead, she is able to fully settle on her right foot, straighten her knee and complete her hip action.

Step 2: Weight transfer in place, therefore there will be no foot movement, only a body action.

Step 3: Forward Walk, the step is forward without turn, she does not follow the man’s turn.

Explanation of steps 4-6 for the man:

Step 4: Backward Walk. The man should fully settle on his right foot, straightening his knee on count 2, then completing his hip action on count &.

Step 5: Weight transfer in place, therefore there will be no foot movement, only a body action.

Step 6: Forward Walk Turning, the turn should be made near the end of a walk, the timing and shaping should match, allowing the couple to settle into Fan Position on beats & 1 & using a rhythmical hip action and allowing their free arms to be a natural extension of their body actions.

The amount of turn for the man is 1/4¹ to the left over steps 5 & 6.

Explanation of steps 4-6 for the lady:

Step 4: Forward Walk outside partner on his left side.

Step 5: Forward Walk Turning, turning 3/8 to left, the turn should be made near the end of a walk.

Step 6: Backward Walk, turning 1/4 to left, the timing and shaping should match, allowing the couple to settle into Fan Position on beats & 1 & using a rhythmical hip action and allowing their free arms to be a natural extension of their body actions. Care should be taken not to turn the foot out more than an inherent amount of turn (1/16).

Explanation of Shaping and Hand Holds:

The figure commences in Close Hold.

 Step 3: The man lowers his left arm, rolling his hand on hers to finish with his left hand under the lady’s right hand.

Step 5: The man releases hold with his right hand.

Step 6: Finish in Fan Position.  

Explanation of why this figure cannot finish in Open Position with Left to Right Hand Hold:

Unlike other figures that finish in Fan Position, the man cannot make any extra turn to finish in Open Position with Left to Right Hand Hold. This is due to the fact that he is already making a 1/4 turn to the left (usually 1/8) over steps 5 & 6, therefore it is not possible to further increase the turn.

Common Fault:

• When the lady steps back on step 6, her foot turnout should only be an inherent amount of turn (1/16). Often ladies make too much turn, which results in a larger amount of foot turn, this will give an exaggerated foot swivel on the first step of the following movement.

Examination Tip:

• Because the finishing position of this figure is so unusual, a description of the Fan Position is a popular examination question.

¹ 1/4 turn – This is unusual, the normal amount of turn for the man when a figure finishes in Fan Position is 1/8 to left on 6.