Vocab: Handholds

This video series subset explores a collection of common terminology used by West Coast Swing communities around the world. Each one will cover
A general baseline definition
Alternative names for the same thing
Community cultural contexts a new dancer should know
And where this term fits in the Body Language Curriculum

In today’s video we are learning about The Handholds (and closed position) that Westies use as connection points.

Handholds are how ... we hold hands with another person ... sooo boom. Now we know. 😉
For just a little more detail, when teachers are talking about the handholds we are usually referring to
(Name) Which hand you’re holding with
(Technique) How the hand is holding
(Location) What part of the hand (eg. fingers/palm) you’re holding with

For now though, let’s focus on getting the names set up. That way we can be confident about adding on other pieces down the road.

Standard: The most common handhold. We revert to this baseline most often. Leaders left hand (palm up-ish) connecting to the followers right hand (palm down-ish)
This is alternatively called a “Basic”, a “Single” or a “left-to-right” handhold.

Double: The second most common, this handhold is often used in the middle of a Sugar Push. For a Double, dancers use the Standard handhold and connect in a similar manner with the Leaders right and Followers left. This can be referred to as “Both Hands” or ... actually that’s usually it. 😬👍🏼

**small technical note: Holding any single hand does not make it a Standard handhold. Holding both hands does not make it a Double. It is only these specific combinations...we have other names for other hand hold variations down the road**

Last piece of today’s puzzle!
Closed Position: this is a transition from only holding onto your partners hands, and instead holding onto their body (as described in the video). That puts the dancers much closer together (henceahh... the name) and is something teachers will add much detail too during your community classes.
Lucky for us, this term is succinct and rarely substituted for.  

***Culture Context:
The follower is in charge of proximity. They get to choose how “close” to be during closed position. Our community highly values consent, and this is one of the ways that we work to preserve this in our community.
DON’T make someone dance closer to you than they are comfortable with***

Another round of vocab in your brain space. Congratulations dancer! Keep building these mental connections to the material and pursuing additional connections with your local community. Find nearby classes, and if there aren’t any around you right now, there is tons of online content available.
Keep practicing!


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