I beleive these figures come from the Arthur Murray syllabus. If memory serves me, I think the "Open Swing Step" is known as "Swing and Run", and is a variation of the Continuity Magic Step (AKA Prep & Feather Step in Int'l Style). "Twinkle & Twist" is an advanced Bronze figure known as Corkscrew. But I could be wrong... they have long since updated their syllabus. Figures and variations have been shifted around and renamed. Fred Astaire may also have one or both of these figures, in whole or part.
The Silver version of the Swing Step is like the Silver version of any other Bronze figure: The QQ chasse is replaced by the "Feather" or "Continuity" action. If you know what a Continuity action is, then the Swing & Run won't be much of a mystery to you. The SS is the same as it is in Bronze, and the QQ is a Continuity action. In reality, this figure is more of an academic exercise than it is a useful or enjoyable dance move. It would seem that whoever wrote the syllabus decided to incorporate it as a way of illustrating ways in which you CAN use a Continuity action, without much regard for how you SHOULD. So needless to say, you probably won't get much use out of it. But there it is anyway.
Twinkle & Twist in theory is just that -- a Twinkle followed by a (reverse) Twist Turn action. So in the broader sense, the Twinkle can be either closed or open. If you want a more specific answer, you'll have to decide based on context. For example, at an NDCA competition, Bronze dancers are expressly prohibited from taking any open or Continuity actions. In this case, your answer is simple: Dance a closed Twinkle in Bronze, and an open Twinkle in silver & above. Actually, this goes for all Twinkles, not just the one that precedes the Twist.
The same rule would probably apply at a Fred Astaire comp. However, at an Arthur Murray comp, the situation might be different. A.M. teaches open Twinkles starting about halfway through Bronze. In fact, they don't teach closed Twinkles at all. Your answer, then, is always use the open Twinkle. That is -- unless you're an Arthur Murray student dancing at an outside comp (a rarity indeed) -- in which case you will need to switch into closed Twinkle mode for the outside comp only. Clear as mud?
For an exam, you'll want to have more clarity about the exact specifications of the syllabus. Now presumably, you either have a copy of the syllabus, or you have a private instructor. Naturally in this case, you should refer to your source. But it's a good bet that you'll get the answer that I've outlined, based on the context above.
And finally, if you're a social dancer -- no exams, no competitions, just out there having fun -- pick whatever version makes you happy. Who can say whether you're right or wrong?
Regards,
Jonathan Atkinson
www.ballroomdancers.com
