Holding a partner while dancing varies depending on the dance style, but a common and fundamental hold, particularly for slow dancing, involves specific hand and arm placements for both partners.
A basic way to hold a girl while dancing, especially for slow dances, involves specific hand positions for the lead and the follow.
Basic Slow Dance Hold Explained
In a standard slow dance hold, the partners are typically facing each other. Based on common dance practices and specific guidance, the hand placement described in references like the one provided outlines a clear structure:
Lead's Hand Placement
- Right Hand: The lead dancer's right hand goes on the follow's shoulder blade. This placement helps guide the follow's movement and maintain connection.
- Left Hand: The lead's left hand typically holds the follow's right hand. This hand connection often extends outward slightly, creating an 'frame' or 'window' between the partners.
Follow's Hand Placement
- Left Hand: The follow dancer's left hand goes in the front of the lead's shoulder, often described as resting near where the shoulder and bicep meet. This provides the follow with a point of contact and stability.
- Right Hand: The follow's right hand is held by the lead's left hand.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Partner | Hand | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Right | On the follow's shoulder blade. |
| Left | Holding the follow's right hand. | |
| Follow | Left | In front of the lead's shoulder/bicep. |
| Right | Held by the lead's left hand. |
This hold allows partners to move together smoothly in rhythm with the music, maintaining a comfortable connection and enabling subtle leading and following cues.
It's important to maintain a comfortable distance, not too far apart that you lose connection, and not too close that movement is restricted. Both partners should maintain good posture.
Keep in mind that this describes a very common closed position for slow dancing. Other dance styles like ballroom, Latin, or swing dancing have different holds and frames.
