Open Position
Beginner Level
The foundation — what every new dancer needs to know
Open position is where you create space to breathe, style, and show off — the exhale between the intimate moments of closed position.
Beginner focus
When transitioning from closed to open, the leader guides the follower back gently with both hands, then releases the right hand connection. Maintain elastic tension through the connected hand — imagine a rubber band between you. Don't let your arm go limp or pull taut. In open position, your basic step should be just as clean as in closed position. This is where your solo technique shows.
Tips
- •Think of the space between you in open position as elastic, not empty. That space has energy, it has tension, it's alive with potential.
- •Mirror drill: face your partner in open position and try to mirror each other's basic step with perfect synchronization. This builds the sensitivity needed for the arms-only connection.
Common mistakes
- •The 'noodle arm' — completely limp connection in open position makes it impossible for either partner to communicate
- •Pulling the partner toward you instead of inviting them in with body movement and arm tone
- •Staring at the floor during open position — this is your moment to connect visually, use it
Practice drill
Dance one song alternating 8 counts closed, 8 counts open. Make every transition smooth and musical. Then do the same song choosing your own moments to open and close based on the music. The first round teaches the mechanic; the second round teaches the artistry.