Description

The Closed Position in the smooth ballroom dances is

the most basic and common position used to move
around the dance floor.

Positioning

Man and lady stand in front of each other in body

contact, slightly offset to the left. The feet should be
positioned slightly offset so that the right foot of either
partner can step between the other partner's feet.

Contact Points

1. Body contact. The right half of the man's front is in contact with the right half
of the lady's front. The connection begins at the upper thighs and should
continue all of the way up to the middle of the torso.

2. Man's left hand to lady's right hand. Palm to palm in an upper-hand clasp,
with fingers and thumbs closed around partner's hand.

3. Man's right hand on lady's back. Right hand is loosely cupped with fingers
and thumb together (not spread apart). Hand connects to her back on her
shoulder blade. His wrist should make contact with her underarm at the
junction of her arm and body.

4. Lady's left hand and forearm on man's upper arm. This connection can
vary, based on the length of each partner's arm length and relative height. A
well-matched couple of average height and arm length will find her hand
resting on top of the junction of his deltoid and bicep.
 Description

The Promenade Position is a "V"-shaped dance

position with man's left side and lady's right side
slightly open. The direction of travel is toward the
open side.

Positioning

Man and lady stand in front of each other in body

contact, slightly offset to the left, with lady's middle
connected to the man's right front. The lady's feet
should be positioned slightly behind the man's. In
promenade position, the man's head should be turned
to the left, the lady's to the right.

Contact Points

1. Body contact. The right half of the man's front is in contact with the middle of
the lady's front. The connection begins at the upper thighs and should continue
all of the way up to the middle of the torso.

2. Same as in closed position

3. Same as in closed position

4. Same as in closed position

 Description

The Right Outside Partner Position is a variation of the

Closed Position where the tracks of the feet are offset
to allow one partner to move toward the outside of the
other partner's right leg.

Positioning

Man and lady stand in front of each other in body

contact, slightly offset to the left. The feet should be
positioned offset so that one partner can step outside of
the other partner's right leg. The upper bodies should
be turned slightly to the right, causing the left side of
the body to project forward. This causes a forward step
on the left to be taken with a "left side leading", while
a forward step on the right foot is taken in CBMP. Conversely, a back step on the
right foot is taken with a "right side leading", while a back step on the left foot is
taken in CBMP.

Contact Points

Contact points in Outside Partner position are the same as those of closed position