Terence. I don't have the latest IDSF or the Guy Howard technique books. Do they also say 3/8ths of a turn between steps 1 to 3 of a Reverse Turn in the Foxtrot.

Just a word of caution.. firstly.. as has been stated, text books are a guide, they do NOT tell you HOW to dance, but, what you you should base your foundation work upon.

I have seen on another site, quite recenly,a topic about the distinction between Q and S rhythm in F/T.
There are Many advocates saying there is essentially no difference.

Where do these " theories " emanate from ?... watching the interpretation of world class exponents .

The inherent danger, is that many may confuse the basic foundation, with these more advanced ideas, and remember, these are PERSONAL interpretations, and should be approached with some scepticism .

To your Q... I have to defer to the current techn.still being used by most as 3/8 over the turn including Guys book.. and of course, amounts may be varied depending on the following figure ( Rev. wave for e.g. )

All of the " new " editions in the ballroom technique, are not yet cast in stone , and each Soc. will adhere to its current format, until a general consensus deems otherwise ( If ever ! ) .

I hasten to add, that some of the newer theories have merit , but the jury in the " establishment " , is still out .

Terence. The question now is . Are our better dancers and obviously teachers Are they turning 3/8ths of a turn on the first step of the Reverse Turn followed with the normal Feather Finish on the normal alignment. Are they all turning 3/8ths of a turn at the end of step one which for the man is the left foot. On youtube there are many to look at and compare. The two I look at are Marcus and Luca who both give you the perfect Feather Step Reverse Turn and Three Step. Cheers.
I will add one more peice to the puzzle. In Alex Moore's book it says 3/8ths of a turn between 1 and 3. Taking that literally means on step 2. which is inbetween step 1 and 3.
I think the books need to, and will be
re - written and its about time too.

"Are our better dancers and obviously teachers Are they turning 3/8ths of a turn on the first step of the Reverse Turn followed with the normal Feather Finish on the normal alignment. Are they all turning 3/8ths of a turn at the end of step one which for the man is the left foot."

No, of course they are not doing this as it would be quite wrong.

When you consider where the end of step 1 actually occurs in the overall sequence of events, you'll realize that the forward partner has made almost no turn by that point.

Don't forget that amounts of turn are measured in the feet.

I would ask you to go and see for yourself.
I doubt if it was meant to be spread over three steps. Lets analyse. You can't do any turn untill the end of step one, that is as the whole of the foot is on the floor. To turn at the beginning would be stupid and to turn your foot out on step one would be even more stupid. Step three is straight back down the LOD. That only leaves step two doesn't it. I doubt if the writers of the books meant it to be that way, but that is what they have written. My point is the books need to be re- written.
There is a poem which says.
And do not grouse when asked to alter. A step that you have taken hours to learn.
If you can and do not falter
You're a better man than I am Gunger Din.
Heres a bit more to think about.
We are dancing with a lady
The lady can't possibly turn on step, only at the end as the feet come together. So there's one gone. Step three is straight down the LOD. That takes care of three doesn't it. I think you will find that the whole turn is at the end of one. 3/8ths.

"You can't do any turn untill the end of step one, that is as the whole of the foot is on the floor."

No, the end of step one is when the right foot passes the left foot. This is long after the foot is flat on the floor.

"Step three is straight back down the LOD."

You are confusing direction of movement with alignment - they aren't the same thing.

Specifically, it is not clear that the alignment of the standing foot is already backing LOD during the time when step three has not yet been placed.

In fact, if you look at the given foot alignment of step two, it appears likely that the foot does continue turning during the earlier part of step 3.

"That only leaves step two doesn't it."

No, it leaves all of step 2 and also the earlier part of step 3 that occurs while the moving foot is still moving.

"I doubt if the writers of the books meant it to be that way, but that is what they have written."

And that is you mistake - you claim they have written something which in fact they have not.

Anonymous. Do you have access to youtube. If you have exactly how much turn do you see on step one of the Reverse Turn in the Foxtrot by Marcus or Luca.
As for your other comments. We agree that step one finishes as the RF arrives under the body. The same applies to the LF as it arrives under the body before stepping back on step three.
I dont think you saw the piece I added concerning the ladies steps. If you look at what she must do, there is no other way. We must be the opposite.
Concerning direction. Surely direction is with the feet . Alignment is with the body. It doesn't sound right to say align your feet and direct your side. The question remains. How much turn is there as the heel leaves the floor at the end of step one which is the man's LF. Don't let us forget that all steps to the side are taken from a toe to a toe. That will be news to some wont it. Go and have a look.

Polished, we have been though all this in at least two other threads. IIRC, nobody agreed with you then and they are not likely to agree with you now.

Instead of watching YouTube go and buy a new book and read it. Then see how many mistakes you can spot in your last post.

"nonymous. Do you have access to youtube. If you have exactly how much turn do you see on step one of the Reverse Turn in the Foxtrot by Marcus or Luca."

When danced in classic alignments there no turn during step one. The turn does not occur until after the feet pass, at which time we are talking about step two or eventually step three, not step one.

"As for your other comments. We agree that step one finishes as the RF arrives under the body."

No, it usually doesn't. Step one ends when the moving foot has passed the standing foot, but on a skilled dancer the body will already have projected beyond the standing foot at this time, so the moving foot will not pass under the body until after it has passed the standing foot.

"Alignment is with the body."

Absolutely incorrect. Alignment is measured in the feet. Look it up.

"Don't let us forget that all steps to the side are taken from a toe to a toe."

Ultimately yes, but they are swung forwards - the body swings gets under way before the standing foot has turned. For a step two swing action such as this both feet turn at the same time, and do so only after the moving foot has reached it's spot on the floor. You take the step forward toe to toe, and then rotate both toes on the floor so that your body can arrive with the feet in the new alignment.

Anonymous. I think you will find that as the feet come together before the foot passes is called coming into a neutral position. It is at this point that the heel of the supporting foot leaves the floor.
What is more important if you are answering this without having access to youtube you are not seeing what is. I will ask again . How much of the 3/8ths of a turn is being done over the left foot before the RF is placed into position to the side and slightly back.