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Open Positions - Any dance position where a man and lady stand apart, without taking a closed hold.
Open One-Hand - Man and Lady face each other (not to far apart) He holds her right hand (RH) with his left hand (LH). This is the most common one-hand hold. Or may hold her LH with his RH. Each person has one hand involved.
Open Two-Hand - Man and Lady face each other, He holds her right hand with his left hand and her left hand with his right hand. Each person has two hands involved.
Open Crossed-Hand(s) - This can be done with either single or double hands RH to RH (AKA hand shake position), or LH to LH, or both = X Which hand is on top if both are crossed depends upon the figure you have or will be executing.
Note: Open dance positions are used predominately in the rhythm dances (spot dance) such as: swing, and Latin dances. The rhythm dances may also use closed hold positions.
Closed Holds - The normal hold where man and lady stand facing each other with 4-5 connection points.
In the progressive dances, partners stand close together with 4-5 connection points, slightly offset to the left of each other.
In the Latin dances, partners stand a few inches apart, either directly in front of each other or very slightly offset.
Note: More formal, professional, and competitive dancers generally use the fifth connection point. Some social dancers find the body connection too close, forward, or uncomfortable. Even though it is very helpful in leading a following it is not enforced in the social dance classes or venues.
Closed - (1) Man holds Lady's RH with his LH; (2) his right hand goes around her back placed on her shoulder blade. Her LH rests on his bicep or shoulder (3). His elbows are up (not hanging down) his shoulders are down. She rests her left forearm (lightly) on top of his right arm (4). Numbers indicate connection points.
Men do not allow your RH to lower from Lady's shoulder blade to waist and hip area - this is poor form, poor lead, and lazy looking, and ladies may find it an encroachment. Just because it is easier (or your habit) does not make it correct.
Promenade Position - A V-shaped dance position where both man and lady move in the same direction, forward toward the open end of the "V", or may move back in Fallaway figures. The couple is in a closed hold turned to a V-shape. With the same 4 connections points as in closed.
Note: Closed dance holds are used predominately in the Progressive dances, such as Foxtrot, Waltz and Western Two Step.
There are more closed hold positions, the above are the basic and most used.
Copyright 2007 Miss Lori
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