There are many different body positions for ballroom dancing as there are many different types of ballroom dances.
First, we’ll talk about getting started.
Starting out, most ballroom dances require that the follower places their left hand upon the leader’s upper right arm while holding the leader’s left hand with their right hand held above eye level at a 90 degree angle. Partners should stand about six inches apart. Strong eye contact and strict movements are what make ballroom dancing so graceful.
Let’s move on to closed position.
The most common position used in ballroom dancing, closed position, is achieved when the leader firmly places his arm below the follower’s left shoulder blade. The follower should rest their left arm gently on the leader’s upper right arm and grasp gently. The follower should rest their right hand in the palm of their partner’s left hand while the leader gives the follower support.
Ever heard of Promenade?
The promenade position occurs when partners are standing sideways in an open position, holding one set of hands. The leader puts his right hand on the follower’s left side and quickly grasps their partners right hand with theirs pulling their partner into them.
Then there’s always right parallel and left parallel positions.
Right parallel and left parallel positions are similar to closed position, but instead of the follower placing their feet directly across from their partners, their feet are placed to the left or right of their partner’s feet, respectively. In these positions, the shoulders should still be directly across from each other.
Let’s discuss open and reverse open positions.
Open position occurs when couples are standing side to side with the woman to the man’s right side. The couple is holding hands on the inside. Reverse open position is the same only the woman is standing to the man’s left side.
Now for open and opposite…
The first is the open break position and occurs when the partners are standing directly across from each other with both sets of hands clasped together in any combination. The open break position typically occurs before a swing. The opposite position occurs when the partners are standing across from each other and aren’t holding hands.
Does anyone want to cuddle?
The cuddle position is when the woman is standing to the right side of the man facing the same direction and takes the man’s right arm is around her. The woman then joins hands with the man right-to-right and left-to-left. The lindy cuddle position occurs when the woman stands in front of the man with her back to him, while holding his hands right-to-right and left-to-left. In the Lindy cuddle position, partners should shadow each other’s moves.
That about sums it up!
There are many different positions in ballroom dancing, but by learning the basic positions, you have already enabled yourself to enjoy many forms of ballroom dance. The basic positions will at least get your through the dance and may encourage you to feel the flow so well that you learn new moves naturally. So go ahead and let your dancers dance!
Want To See These Ballroom Dance Positions On Video?
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