Open Break in Detail sn0095

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These charts give general instructions on how to do an Open Break which may need to be adapted for the relevant move.
Steps S5 to S8 are not shown because these are not part of an Open Break.
The following chart shows Follower's steps only. Lead's steps are a mirror copy of Follower's steps.

S1) Follower's right foot does a small step backward.	S2) Follower's left foot steps forward.	S3) Follower's right foot steps forward.	↑ ← ↓ S4) Pause.

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An Open Break is often used at the beginning of a move to bring Lead and Follower closer together, but it is often only the first one or two steps that are done exactly as it is shown above. The relevant chart will indicate when the footwork is different.
The following chart shows Lead's footwork, how Lead signals an Open Break, and shows an example of how the footwork can vary (which would be suitable for Outside Turn, sn0003).
Lead's left hand holding Follower's right hand is shown, but either of Lead's hands could be holding either of Follower's hands. Also, two handed holds can be used.
Instructions for the preceding step are:

Lead's left hand pulls Follower's right hand toward Lead and up 8" (20cm) approx. Hands are in Hook Hold.

S1) Lead's right hand pushes Follower's right hand backward (relative to Follower) and down (to Follower's waist height). This signals Follower to make a smaller than normal backward step. Lead's left foot does a small step backward. Follower's right foot does a small step backward.	S2) Lead's right hand pulls Follower's hand back to the position in step 8 of the previous bar (with the same force) signalling Follower to step forward. Lead's right foot steps forward. Follower's left foot steps forward.	S3) Lead's left foot steps next to their right foot. Follower's right foot steps next to their left foot.	↑ ← Top S4) Pause.