Hold

Holds

• Standard holds used across most dances; variations exist for non‑championship styles.

• Classical Sequence dances may use one hold or switch between them — noted as “Adopt [hold name]” on charts.

Ballroom Hold — Leader

• Face each other; Follower stands slightly to your right.

• Arms raised sideways/outward to shoulder height.

• Right hand: on their back, below the left shoulder blade.

• Left arm bent wider than 90°, hand near ear height, holding their right hand.

• Head: slightly left of center, looking over their right shoulder.

• Adjust naturally if there is a height difference.

Ballroom Hold — Follower

• Face each other, slightly to the Leader’s right.

• Arms raised sideways/outward to shoulder height.

• Left hand: fingertips on their right arm, just below the shoulder, wrist straight.

• Right hand: resting in their left hand.

• Head: slightly left of center, looking over their right shoulder.

• Adjust naturally if there is a height difference.

Open Hold

• Right Side Open Hold: Follower stands on Leader’s right side.

• Left Side Open Hold: Follower stands on Leader’s left side.

• Note: Described from the Leader’s perspective.

• Basic setup: Hands joined, raised to near shoulder height, elbows soft. Leader’s free hand on hip; Follower holds dress lightly. Headlines: Leader left, Follower right. Can be used at any point, even during solo steps.

Shadow Holds

(All positions described from the Leader’s perspective)

• Right Side Shadow Hold: Left hands joined, raised above shoulder height. Leader’s right hand behind Follower at waist/shoulder blade. Follower holds dress lightly with right hand.

• Left Side Shadow Hold: Right hands joined, raised above shoulder height. Leader’s left hand behind Follower at waist/shoulder blade. Follower holds dress lightly with left hand.

• High Shadow Hold: Follower stands slightly forward/side of Leader. Both pairs of hands joined, raised above shoulder height.

Tango Hold

• Based on Ballroom Hold, but partners closer together.

• Left arm held slightly tighter; Follower’s left arm rests on Leader’s right arm.

• Elbows curve inward, allowing freedom for CPP movements.

• Other holds may be used within a Tango sequence.

Double Hold

• Partners face each other, slightly apart.

• Arms out sideways, gently bent, hands raised to eye level.

• Leader’s palms up, Follower’s palms down.

• Used for Pas Glissade / Pas Glissé; feels slightly “under‑turned” for shaping.

Skating Hold

• Side‑by‑side position.

• Hands crossed & joined in front: Leader’s left holds Follower’s left, right holds right.

• Elbows soft; left arms usually positioned above right arms.

Handshake Hold

• Open position, facing each other.

• Most common: right hand to right hand. Left‑hand version also works.

Cuddle Hold

• Shadow position.

• Follower’s arms crossed in front (right over left).

• Leader’s right hand behind back holds their left hand; left hand holds their right hand.

• Can also be done with Leader’s left hand free.

Bower Hold

• Partners join one or both hands, raised above head height.

Other Holds

• Extra variations exist for non‑championship dances.

Change of Hold

• Even if described for one step, the shift often happens smoothly across several steps.