🕯️ The “Twinkle” — we don't know how it got it's name but this is what it is

💡 Definition (As It Should Be)

A Twinkle is a series of three (or more) steps used to transition between two dance positions — often from Closed Position (CP) to Promenade Position (PP) — while maintaining correct frame, flow, and floor alignment.

🎓 Bronze Smooth Waltz “Simple Twinkle” (Leader + Follower)

Leader

Step Foot Position Dance Position Alignment Turn CBM Rise & Fall FW Count Sway
1 LF forward CP F W Nil Nil Commence to rise e/o 1 HT 1 S
2 RF side & slightly fwd Prep PP F W Nil Nil Continue rise on 2, 3 T 2 L
3 LF closes to RF PP F DW ⅛ turn L between 2 & 3 Nil Lower end of 3 TH 3 L

Follower

Step Foot Position Dance Position Alignment Turn CBM Rise & Fall FW Count Sway
1 RF back CP B W Nil Nil Commence rise e/o 1 TH 1 S
2 LF side & slightly back Prep PP B W Nil Nil Continue rise on 2, 3 T 2 R
3 RF closes to LF PP F DC ⅛ turn R between 2 & 3 Nil Lower end of 3 TH 3 R

😬 What Actually Happens in Dance Studios Everywhere

  • Leader rotates left somehow pushing follower right with their left hand or grabbing Followers back and pulling them round
  • follower rotates right → Frame collapses
  • Follower flings open like a folding chair
  • The infamous V-shape is born
  • Everyone is in a collapsed V-shape, heads are flying, and the music is wondering what it did to deserve this.

🤯 Hidden Issues (ok, crimes) in That Chart (and many Syllabi worldwide)

  • ❗Contradictory Turn Directions ⅛ Left vs ⅛ Right = Frame Violation Guaranteed

  • ❗⅛ Left vs ⅛ Right cannot be led without pushing or pulling the follower since it's an opposite rotation

✅ Better Way (Twinkle v2.0)

🕺 Leader - Commences DW (Diagonal Wall) ~ IMPROVED!

Step Foot Position Dance Position Foot Alignment Turn Body Alignment CBM Rise & Fall FW Count Sway
1 LF forward CP F DW Prep to turn right F DW Com to rise e/o 1 HT 1 S
2 RF side and slightly forward Prep PP F DW Rotate follower’s frame F W Cont to rise on 2 and 3 T 2 L
3 LF closes to RF PP F DW To align follower’s feet to F DC F W Lower e/o 3 TH 3 L

💃 Follower - Commences B DW (Diagonal Wall) ~ IMPROVED

Step Foot Position Dance Position Foot Alignment Turn Body Alignment CBM Rise & Fall FW Count Sway
1 RF back CP B DW Prep to turn right F DW ALOD Com to rise e/o 1, NFR T 1 S
2 LF side and slightly back Prep PP B DW 1/4 turn between 2 and 3 F C Cont to rise on 2 and 3 TH 2 R
3 LF closes to RF PP F DC F DC Lower end of 3 3 R

Important Notes:

  • The Leader's rotation begins at the start of step 2, not earlier, ensuring the Follower has a clean lead through frame shift - not force.

  • The Follower's turn is executed between steps 2 and 3 using foot swivel and body rotation - not by stepping into the turn.

  • This avoids the problematic V-frame, maintains connection, and improves musical interpretation.