Basic Positions in Social Dancing

1. One-hand hold position. In the one-hand hold, only one hand is held, hence the name. Begin in
the open facing position (facing your partner within arm’s reach. To enter the one-hand hold
position, grasp your partner’s hand and leave the other hand relaxed at your side.
2. Two-hand hold. Regardless of dancers’ gender, ballroom couples have a designated dominant/
leading and subordinate/ following partner. Traditionally, a male partner leads and a female
partner follows. In the two- hand hold position, both hands are held. Partners should stand apart,
facing one another. The male partner holds the female partner’s hand, while the female partner
places her hands in the male partner’s grasp.
3. Closed position. The closed position is another position common in the ballroom dancing. In this
position, the partners stand close enough to each other so that their bodies touch, but slightly off
to the left. This enables each dancer’s right foot to step between their partner’s feet.
4. The outside right position (or right parallel) position. This position is similar to the basic closed
position, with the exception of the placement of the feet. In the outside right position, the female
partner’s feet should be to the right of the male partner’s.
5. The outside left (or left parallel) position. This position is also similar to the basic closed position.
Again, the only difference is the placement of the feet. In outside left position, the female partner
places her feet to the left of the male partner’s feet.
6. Promenade position. In the promenade position, both partners face the same direction instead
of facing one another. Their bodies form a sort of “V” shape. The promenade is a forward
movement. Since the dancers are facing in the same direction, both move forward at the same
time.
7. The Fall Away Position. This is similar to the promenade position, except the dancers move
backward instead of forward. In the fall away position, both partners take small steps backward
at the same time.
8. Shadow Position. In the shadow position, partners “shadow” each other’s moves. Working from
either a closed position, semi-closed or totally apart, partners should face the same direction,
with one partner either in front of the other or slightly to their left or right. Partner should step
with the same direction. Their movements should act as a shadow to each other, as the name of
the position suggests.
9. Skater’s Position. In the skater’s position, partners join hands in front of their bodies. The right
hands are joined below and left hands are joined above.
10. Challenge Position. In the challenge position, the male and female partners face one another but
stand apart and without making contact.
11. Varsovienne Position. Partners face the same direction, the gent in front of the lady and to her
right. She holds his L hand in her slightly in front and above his shoulder. Her right arm passes
behind his right, again to the side and above his shoulder.
12. Wrap Position. Cuddle or wrap position (also called Sweetheart or Sweetheart’s Wrap): The gent
wraps his R arm around her in front to hold his R hand. She wraps her R arm over her L arm and
across her front to hold his L hand.