Open Position
Intermediate Level
Going deeper — techniques and nuances for experienced dancers
Open position is where you create space to breathe, style, and show off — the exhale between the intimate moments of closed position.
Intermediate focus
Start playing with the transitions. A quick open-close-open creates a rhythmic visual pattern. Use open position to set up turns, cross-body leads, and hand switches. Notice that the quality of your arm tone dictates the quality of the lead — too loose and the follower can't feel the prep, too tight and they can't move freely.
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.