Closed Dance Position - Basic Dance Steps

 
Closed Dance Position
by: Shawn Trautman
 
The closed dance position is the quintessential dance position. It is usually the dance position that people associate with all couples dances.
 
Connection Points Used
The closed dance position uses connection points 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Foot Positions Used
The closed dance position uses primarily the first and second foot positions, but the fourth position is also used when the dance is progressive. The other foot positions are used as part of the steps.
How to Create and Use the Closed Dance Position
You already created closed dance positions when you built your dance frame using all four connection points, so this should be fairly familiar to you. You will see and use the closed dance positions in each of the dances that are taught in this book and on the DVD. As a quick reminder, the closed dance position is built by the leader's left hand and follower's right hand connecting palm to palm, the leader's right hand connecting with the follower's left shoulder blade, the follower's left arm touching the leader's right arm in the elbow region, and the follower's hand (at minimum her thumb) held on the inside edge of the leader's shoulder, pressing up and away from him.