Beginner
Frame
Beginner Level
The foundation — what every new dancer needs to know
The shape your arms and torso create to communicate with your partner — your body's antenna for sending and receiving movement.
Beginner focus
Keep your elbows in front of your body, not behind. Engage your core lightly — as if someone might push you and you wouldn't fall. Don't grip your partner's hand; hold it like you're carrying a small bird.
Tips
- •Practice in front of a mirror: your elbows should stay roughly in front of your hip bones
- •Test your frame by having someone push your hand — if your whole body moves as one unit, your frame is connected
Common mistakes
- •Locking elbows straight — kills all sensitivity
- •Spaghetti arms — no signal gets through
- •Death grip on partner's hand
- •Frame that doesn't adapt to the music's energy
Practice drill
Stand in closed position with a partner. Close your eyes. Have them step in any direction and follow only through frame. If you can follow 8 out of 10, your frame works.