0_Close Embrace

COURSE: Ballroom Blues

FOCUS: This lesson introduces the Close Embrace technique in ballroom blues, focusing on achieving a comfortable and connected dancing hug through proper posture and relaxed arm placement.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Maintain an upright posture with weight centered in the middle of the feet for better connection.
• Keep arms relaxed and light, resting on your partner without clamping down or squeezing.
• Look over your partner's shoulder with a straight neck to avoid head dropping and tension.
• Use a 'deflate button' on the chest to release tension if you or your partner feel too stiff.
• Imagine being slightly melted chocolate bars that squish together softly when connecting.

REMEMBER:

• Connect based on your own posture and height, adjusting naturally to size differences without compromising form.
• Avoid connecting heads to prevent discomfort and maintain a nice open V position for ease of movement.
• Ensure both partners are balanced independently, not relying on each other for support during steps.
• Keep shoulders relaxed to prevent tension from creeping up into the hands and arms.
• Practice with a forward connection into your partner, maintaining posture even when stepping back.