It is essential in all partner dances, but especially so in modern ballroom dance

How high to lift the arm:

The first thing you need to do is lift your arms slowly out to your sides until you feel your shoulders start to move, then stop. This is your natural arm line, hands out to your sides with the shoulders down and relaxed.

Now bring your arms forward so that your elbows line up just slightly in front of your body. Remember if your elbows end up behind you you’ll end up running into your partner.

Dance hold for Fox Trot, Waltz and Tango:

The smooth or “ballroom” dances are known for their elegantly square top lines, reminiscent of Cinderella dancing at her ball, or intense tango routines from classic movies. But other than just looking good it allows you to lead and follow with precision.

Before actually taking hold of your partner make sure you are slightly off set to the left of your partner. Your feet should be on two different tracks; this gives you a window past your partner to look through while dancing and keeps you from running into each other.

The gentleman lifts his left hand and invites the lady to take hold. The man’s empty right hand should look as though it’s holding an invisible soda can.

The lady will position herself where she is comfortable (again slightly to the left) and place her hand in the gentleman’s left with fingers pointed up. Once the palms have made a connection both partners should close their fingers.

Next the man places the heel of his right hand in his partner’s arm pit against her lat muscle, then closes his fingers around her back.

His elbow should be pointed to the right and his arms should create an acute angle. Make sure to keep that elbow up so she has a platform for her arm. If you drop the elbow the lady has nothing to push against to keep you from running into her.

The lady will then place her left arm on top of the arm that is now holding her back and drapes her elbow slightly over the side. Make sure to use the heel of the hand to connect with the bottom of the man’s shoulder, and then close your fingers around the shoulder muscle.

Taking frame, lead and follow are like moving furniture. If you’ve ever moved a couch you have already worked on the fundamentals of frame. All you have to do now is add these little techniques and start dancing.