| If you have done any kind of research before | | | | only on the opposite side. |
| deciding to take ballroom dancing lessons, you may | | | | Promenade Position: Partners stand sideways, with |
| have noticed that there are different positions, and a | | | | the man's right side touching the woman's left. This |
| lot, and we mean a lot, of different steps. Hopefully, | | | | position is semi-open, with the man holding the |
| this doesn't deter you from enjoying the fun and | | | | woman's right hand in his left, while his right hand |
| exciting world of ballroom dancing. Many of the steps | | | | holds on to her waist. |
| are pretty easy, so don't let the fancy names scare | | | | Now that you know some of the positions, here are |
| you off! | | | | a few typical ballroom dance steps, and their |
| The following are some of those fancy names, and | | | | definitions: |
| what they actually mean: | | | | Ball Change: Basically, stepping (or moving your |
| Open Position: You and your partner will stand beside | | | | weight) from one foot to the other. |
| each other, with the woman on the right side, and | | | | Kick Ball Change: Make a small kick, then perform the |
| you will be holding hands. | | | | ball change, all in one quick movement. |
| Closed Position: Standing about six inches apart, face | | | | Lock Step: The lower legs cross, locking the back leg |
| your partner. Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. The man's | | | | until the leading leg moves forward. |
| right arm should be held just below the woman's | | | | Grapevine: The feet cross, one in front of the other, |
| shoulder blade, and lifted to a 90 degree angle. The | | | | as you move in a step pattern to the side. |
| woman's right arm should rest on the man's right | | | | Sailor Step: This is a sideways triple step where you |
| arm, with her left hand holding his left hand, and both | | | | move from side to side. As you cross your legs, lean |
| hands should be at eye level. | | | | in the direction of the foot that is not doing the |
| Right Parallel Position: The woman's feet are on the | | | | crossing. |
| right side of the man's, and the pair's right shoulders | | | | Now that you know some of the ballroom basics, |
| should be facing each other. The man's right hand is | | | | you are ready to go out and find yourself some |
| to be placed on the woman's back. | | | | lessons. Have fun, learn some new steps, and wow |
| Left Parallel Position: Pretty much the same as above, | | | | your friends on the dance floor. |