Holds Flashcards
Holds- General
The holds listed below are the ones used in the majority of dances. (There are other holds and variations on holds in non-Championship Dances which are not described here.)
A Classical Sequence dance may have just one hold or comprise a combination of holds. When there is a change of hold, it is shown in the Notes section of the Chart as ‘Adopt’ a particular hold, for example: ‘Adopt Open Hold’.
Ballroom Hold - Leader
Partners stand facing each other, the Follower slightly to Leader’s right. Raise both anns sideways and outwards, approximately to shoulder level. The right elbow is bent, and the hand is placed on the Follower’s back just below the left shoulder blade. The left arm is bent at the elbow slightly wider than at right angles, with the hand raised approximately to the height of the ear, and holding the Follower’s right hand.
The head is held naturally slightly to the left of centre, looking over the partner’s right shoulder.
Where there is a difference in the height of the couple, the hold should be naturally modified.
Ballroom Hold Follower
Ballroom Hold for Follower
Partners stand facing each other, The Follower slightly to the Leader’s right. Raise both arms sideways and outwards, approximately to shoulder level. The Follower’s left arm is placed on the Leader’s right arm with the fingertips just below the Leader’s shoulder with the wrist straight. The right hand is placed in the Leader’s left hand.
The head is held naturally slightly to the left of centre, looking over the partner’s right shoulder.
Where there is a difference in the height of the couple, the hold should be naturally modified.
Open Holds
a) Right Side Open Hold - a position with the Follower on Leader’s right side.
b) Left Side Open Hold - a position with the Follower on Leader’s left side.
(Please note in these Charts when the hold is described, it is taken from the position of the Leader).
The example below is Right Side Open Hold
In dances which commence in Right Side Open Hold, the partners stand side by side with the Follower on the Leader’s right, the Leader facing OW, the Follower facing DC, The Leader’s LF and Follower’s RF in 3rd position front w/w. The Leader holds the Follower’s left hand in right hand, with palm upwards. The joined hands are slightly higher than the shoulders with the elbows slightly bent, the hold will be naturally modified where there is a difference in height. The Leader’s left hand is placed on the hip, thumb to the rear. The Follower holds dress lightly with the right hand, which should be approximately shoulder height or if in different attire the arm will be extended out to the side so that both arms are at a matching height. The Leader’s headline will be to the left, Follower’s headline to the right. In dances which begin with both partners facing LOO, the Leader’s LF is in 3rd Position front Pointing DC, RF Pointing DW. The Follower’s RF is in 3rd Position front Pointing OW, LF Pointing DC.
Open Hold is often adopted when not in the start position and can occur at any time throughout the dance. Quite often the shaping of Open Hold is maintained while a solo figure is being danced.
Shadow Hold - in right side
a) In Right Side Shadow Hold, the left hands are normally joined and raised slightly above shoulder height, with the Leader’s right hand behind the Follower and placed slightly above right waist or on either shoulder blade. See Charts for clarification. The Follower holds the dress lightly with the right hand, which should be approximately shoulder height or if in different attire the arm will be extended out
to the side .
See also Shadow Position.
Shadow Hold - Left side SH
b) In Left Side Shadow Hold, the right hands are normally joined and raised slightly above shoulder height, with the Leader’s left hand behind the Follower and placed slightly above left waist or on either shoulder blade. See Charts for clarification. The Follower holds dress lightly with the left hand, which should be approximately shoulder height or if in different attire the arm will be extended out to the side. See also Shadow Position.
High Shadow Hold
In Right and Left Side High Shadow Hold, the Follower stands in front of the Leader slightly to the right or left side. Both hands are raised slightly above shoulder height, The Leader’s left hand holding Follower’s left hand, the right hand holding the Follower’s right hand.
See also Shadow Position.
Tango Hold
The hold is Ballroom Hold but partners are in closer contact with the left arm a little closer than the wider shape of Ballroom Hold. The Follower’s left arm is placed on the Leader’s right arm with the fingertips just below the Leader’s shoulder. When in CPP, the Leader’s left arm and Follower’s right arm can curve slightly inwards. A slight release in pressure with the right hand would assist in applying that extra freedom required in CPP movements. The Classical Tango does not necessarily remain in Tango Hold, and many holds or positions may be adopted during a sequence.
Double Hold
Double Hold
Partners stand facing each other slightly apart. The arms are extended sideways with the elbows slightly bent, showing a gentle slope from the shoulder down to the elbow and hands raised approximately to eye level. The Leader’s palms facing upward, the Followers palms facing downwards. The Leaders left hand holding Follower’s right hand and the right hand holding Follower’s left hand.
When dancing a Pas Glissade or Pas Glisse in Double Hold, although the diagonal Alignment is given, there is a general feeling of under tum in the position to maintain the correct shaping.
Skating Hold
Partners stand side by side, hands crossed and joined in front of the body. The Leader’s left hand holds Follower’s left hand, and the right hand holds the Follower’s right hand. Elbows are slightly bent, and left arms are usually above right arms.
Handshake Hold
Right hand to right hand hold with the Leader and Follower in an Open Position facing each other. The Leader holds Follower’s right hand in right hand. Left hand to left hand hold can also be used.
Cuddle Hold
Partners stand in Shadow Position. The Follower’s arms are crossed in front of body, right arm above left arm. The Leader’s right hand goes behind Follower and holds Follower’s left hand at waist height. The Leader’s left hand crosses the body and holds Follower’s right hand.
Can be danced with The Leader’s left hand free.
Bower Hold
A hold where partners join one or both hands above the head.
