In
partner dancing
Partner dances are dances whose basic choreography involves coordinated dancing of two partners, as opposed to individuals dancing alone or individually in a non-coordinated manner, and as opposed to groups of people dancing simultaneously in a ...
, open position refers to positions in which partners are
connected primarily at the hands as opposed to closer body contact, as in
closed position
In partner dancing, closed position is a category of positions in which partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each other.
Closed positions employ either body contact or body support, that is, holding each other is ...
. The
connection is through the hands, wrists, and fingers, and relies heavily on
frame and the compression and tension of both partners' arms.
We Many forms of
dancing
Dance is a performing art art form, form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolism (arts), symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its chor ...
use the open position.
Modern Jive
Modern Jive is a dance style derived from swing, Lindy Hop, rock and roll, salsa and others, the main difference being the simplification of footwork by removing syncopation such as chasse. The term "French Jive" is occasionally used instead, r ...
,
East Coast Swing,
West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and Latin are primary examples, but an open position is used in
waltz
The waltz ( ), meaning "to roll or revolve") is a ballroom and folk dance, normally in triple ( time), performed primarily in closed position.
History
There are many references to a sliding or gliding dance that would evolve into the w ...
, country, and other styles at times.
Partner dance technique
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