How to Do the Basic Ballroom Dance Hold

The basis of ballroom dancing is the dance hold. A dancing pair that gets the hold correctly gains the fluidity and grace of ballroom dancing. Without the proper dance hold the dancers will become tangled or off-balance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Position the non-lead dancer slightly to the right of the lead ballroom dancer. The feet are also offset, so that both partners have room to step through without bumping knees or entangling feet.

2. Grasp the non-lead dancer's right hand with the lead dancer's left hand. Make sure the grip is palm to palm with the fingers closed around the hands.

3. Place the lead dancer's right hand on the shoulder blade of the dance partners back. This hand is important because it guides the dancers across the floor. Be sure to keep the fingers together and position the wrist at about the partners' underarm.

4. Put the non-lead dancer's left hand on the upper arm of the lead dancer. Try to match as closely as possible the dancer's height. A great mismatch in height can make the ballroom dance hold difficult and awkward.

5. Bring the ballroom dancers together at the diaphragm and the upper thigh. The connection should be firm but not too tight. With this proper ballroom dance hold, a couple can now begin to learn the more difficult aspects of ballroom dancing.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable but stylish shoes when ballroom dancing.