What is a key characteristic of the travelling balance movement?

The key characteristic of the travelling balance movement is that the upper body must remain erect. This alignment is crucial for achieving stability and balance throughout the movement. Keeping the upper body erect ensures that the dancer maintains good posture, which is essential for both aesthetic appeal and the execution of subsequent movements.

In maintaining an erect upper body, the dancer can also effectively control and direct their movements, allowing for graceful transitions and connections in the sequence. This approach reflects the traditional style of Scottish Highland dance, which emphasizes poise and precision.

The other options do not accurately describe this movement. While lateral movement may occur in certain contexts, it is not a defining feature of the travelling balance. The movement can be executed in various positions, not limited solely to open positions, and while a jump may be incorporated in some sequences, it is not an intrinsic characteristic of the travelling balance itself.