Open Dance Position with Shawn Trautman Instruction

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Open Dance Position

by: Shawn Trautman

The open dance position is the most basic dance position and is, by definition, the simplest to create. However, despite the simplicity, this is a highly useful tool in your lead-and-follow toolbox. Several intermediate and advanced moves are based on the lead created by the open dance position.

Connection Points Used

There is no physical connection between the dance partners in the open dance position.

Foot Positions Used

All foot positions are used in the open dance position, which is usually started in first or second foot position.

How to Create and Use the Open Dance Position

Stand facing your partner about one step (eighteen inches to two feet) apart without touching. Your shoulders should be parallel, and you should be facing each other squarely. You will be depending on a visual lead to execute coordinated movement between the lead and follow. This means that the follower must be watching the leader so each movement of the leader can be properly matched and balanced. This position is also called a shine position when the couple is executing a mirrored action. This is the easiest form of the dance positions to master. You will see the open (shine) position used in intermediate and advanced syncopations of several of the dances.

The open dance position is called the challenge position in the Latin dances, such as the cha-cha and salsa, when the dance partners release the physical connection points and dance back and forth in a call-and-response style. For example, the leader will release the lead and do a left turn by himself, while the follower holds the basic. Then, as the leader finishes his turn, the follower begins a corresponding left turn. This sequence continues until the leader changes from the open dance position to one of the five other dance positions and progresses to the next move.