Basic Dance Position

Basic dance position
1. Closed Position
 Partners stand close enough to each other that their bodies
touch, but slightly off to each dancer’s left. Each dancer’s
right foot should be able to step in between the other
person’s feet
 In the closed position, the man’s right hand rests on the
woman’s back and he holds her right hand with his left.
The woman places her left hand on his upper arm.
2. Outside Right Position

 The outside right position (or right parallel) is similar to
the basic closed position.
 With the outside right position, the feet are different, the
woman’s feet stand in the right on the man’s
3. Outside Left Position

 The outside left (or left parallel) position is similar to the
basic closed position. Again, the foot positioning is what’s
different. In this position, the woman places her feet to the
left of the man’s.
4. Promenade Position
 Both partners face the same direction instead of facing
each other. The bodies make sort of V shape. Boys R hand
is placed around Girl’s waist. Girl’s L hand rests lightly
against his R shoulders. Boy’s L hand is raised to the side
holding the Girl’s R hand. The fingers of her R hand rest
lightly in the palm of the Boy’s L.
 Because the dancers are facing the same direction, they
also move forward together.
5. Fallaway Position
 Is similar to the promenade position, except it moves
backward instead of forward. Both partners take small
steps backward.
6. Shoulder-Waist Position
 Partners face each other. Boy’s places hands on Girl’s
waist. Girl’s hands are on the Boy’s shoulder.
7. Cross Hold Position

 Partners stand face-to-face, R hand joined over L hands,
extended about waist level.
8. One Hand Hold Position

 Partners facing each other. The other hand is relaxed at
their sides. When partners face each other within arms
reach, it is called the Open Facing Position
9. Two Hand Hold Position

 Two-hand hold position, both hands are held, both
partners should stand apart, facing each other. The ma (or
the person holding the traditionally male role) should hold
both of the woman’s hands.
10. Shadow Position

 In the shadow position, partners “shadow” each other’s
moves.
 Both partners should face the same direction, with one
partner either in front of the other or slightly to the left or
right.
 Partners should step with the same foot in the same
direction. Their movements should act as a shadow to each
other, per name of the position.
 Partners can be closed (touching), semi-closed (slightly
apart) or totally apart.
11. Skater’s Position
 Partners join hands in front of their bodies. The right
hands should be joined below and left hands joined above.
12. Challenge Position

 The man and woman face each other but are apart
without contact.
Basic dance formations

Formations are very important and it adds beauty to the dance. Formation may
vary or change after each figure in dance. The following formations are
recommended for variations
 Single File Formation
 Line Formation
 Double Lines (facing audience)
 Double Line (partners facing)
 Single Circle (facing clockwise)

 Single Circle (facing counter clockwise)
 Single Circle (facing center)
 Single Circle (facing partner)
 Double Circle (partners facing clockwise)
 Double Circle (partners standing side by side and counter

clockwise)
 Double Circle formation (partners facing each other)
 Square or Quadrille Formation
 Semi-Circle or Half Moon

 Diagonal formation
Dance etiquette
1. Practice correct dancing position even without a partner
2. Maintain a good standing position. Bring out the best in
your look.
3. Keep your weight over the balls of your feet to make you
feel quicker and lighter, and place your weight even on the
soles of your shoes. No weight on the heel.
4. Maintain in the habit of keeping feet close together unless
you are taking a definite step. Feet apart are not a pretty
sight.
5. For a graceful dancing, always turn your toes out, not in.
6. When dancing with a partner, adapt a comfortable position
for both of you; not too close not too far.
7. Don’t lean forward or backward. Just assume a natural
comfortable dancing companion.
8. When facing the audience, the lady is at the right side of
the male.

Basic Dance Position

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Basic dance position

2. Outside Right Position

3. Outside Left Position

7. Cross Hold Position

8. One Hand Hold Position

9. Two Hand Hold Position

10. Shadow Position

12. Challenge Position

Basic dance formations

 Single Circle (facing clockwise)

 Double Circle (partners facing clockwise)

 Double Circle (partners standing side by side and counter

 Semi-Circle or Half Moon

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