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From The Ballroom Dancers Rag

The hold in which to start should be the most natural one to dance with. You can make your own interpretation. Later on the holds will vary with the discipline. The Argentine Tango hold is far different than the English which in turn is different than the American.

"Live simply that others might simply live."

Leaders: Extend your arms as if you are going to embrace a big tree. Just to give the lady a little room. Lift your left arm, keeping the elbow in place. At the proper time you will place you right hand in the vicinity of her left shoulder blade.

Followers: Face the leader and place the left side of your body in his right fore arm, placing your left elbow on his right elbow and rest your hand wherever it lands comfortably. Don’t try to reach all the way to his shoulder if he is too tall. Now, extend your left side a little more so that you will be cradled in his right arm. Place your right hand on his left hand.

Both dancers apply light pressure with the hands and the right pressure will depend on the dance. A Waltz is much lighter than a Swing dance. It becomes easier to gauge with time and experience. This pressure constantly and evenly applied is an important part in leading and following.

And you are on your way to enjoy social dancing.

From a London Newsletter

"Carry the lady as if she were a tray of drinks, in the finest glassware

and the most expensive champagne. Don't spill a drop."