Beginner
Wrap
Beginner Level
The foundation — what every new dancer needs to know
An arm wrapping around your partner's body — creating closeness, changing grip, and setting up the next move all in one smooth motion.
Beginner focus
Start with the basic self-wrap: leader guides the follower into a turn that ends with the follower's arm wrapped across their own body. Keep the arm relaxed — a tense wrap is uncomfortable. The leader's job is to guide the arm path, not force it.
Tips
- •Think of the wrap like draping a scarf — it should flow around the body, not constrict it.
- •Always know your exit plan before you wrap
Common mistakes
- •Wrapping too tight — the partner should always be able to breathe and move
- •Forgetting to unwrap before the next figure
- •Jerky arm motion instead of smooth, continuous guidance
Practice drill
Practice: inside turn into wrap, hold for 4 counts with body movement, unwrap into outside turn. Repeat until the entire sequence feels like one continuous motion.