2 Arm Positions

Closed Position

Lead: The lead’s left hand holds the follower’s right hand. The lead’s right arm is placed around the follower’s back, typically around the shoulder blade.

Follow: The follower’s left hand is placed on the lead’s shoulder or upper arm. The lead’s left hand holds the right hand.

Open Position

Lead: The lead holds the follower’s right hand with their left hand, and the right hand holds the follower’s left hand at waist level or slightly higher.

Follow: The follower’s hands mirror the lead’s hands, with the left hand held by the lead’s right hand and the right hand held by the lead’s left hand.

Side-by-Side Position (Shadow Position)

Lead: The lead stands beside the follower, holding their right hand with their left hand and wrapping their right arm around the follower’s waist.

Follow: The follower’s left hand is on the lead’s shoulder or upper back, and the right hand is held by the lead’s left hand.

Open Break

Lead: The lead releases the closed hold, extending the left arm to hold the follower’s right hand, and the right arm holds the follower’s left hand, both arms slightly extended.

Follow: The follower mirrors the lead’s arm positions, maintaining a light connection with the lead’s hands.

Hand-to-hand (Swing Out Position)

Lead: The lead extends one hand (usually the left) to hold one of the follower’s hands (usually the right) while the other arm is free or extended outwards.

Follow: The follower’s hand mirrors the lead’s, maintaining a light grip with the lead’s hand.

Cross-Hand Hold

Lead: The lead holds the follower’s right hand with their left hand and the follower’s left hand with their right hand, often at waist level.

Follow: The follower mirrors the lead’s hand positions.

Two-Hand Hold

Lead: The lead holds both follower’s hands, often at waist level, with both hands extended slightly.

Follow: The follower’s hands mirror the lead’s hands, maintaining a light grip.

These arm positions may vary depending on the style of dance (e.g., ballroom and Carolina Shag) and the specific moves or figures being executed. Maintaining proper frame and connection is crucial for practical leading and following in social dancing.