Cradled Hold( Cunita) Partners face the same direction, as in the doble frente. The follower may be to the right or left of the leader. Their arms crossed over each other and wrapped around the follower. The leader’ s arms are over the follower’ s arms and wrapped around her waist. The partners hold opposite hands. The follower may be shifted from left to right. Often, the follower leans back. to face the leader.
Reversed Promenade( Paseo Reverso) Partners face opposite directions, side by side with hips in contact.
Butterfly Hold( Mariposa) From open hold, facing partners raise clasped opposite hands to shoulder level or above. The leader’ s left hand holds follower’ s right. All four hands are held aloft forming the shape of a Y-shape.
Open Hold( Gentlemanos) Typical salsa position. Partners face each other with opposing hands held. The follower’ s hands on top of the leader’ s.
Crossed Hand Hold( Con Mismo Mano) Same as open hold, except that hands are crossed, so that right holds right, and left holds left. Right hands are usually on top. But, may be changed by subsequent movements.
Pretzel Hold( Pretzel) Identical to a crossed hand hold, except that hands are crossed, so that right holds right, and left, left.
Diamond Hold( Diamante) Similar to a crossed hand hold, except that hands are double crossed, so that right holds left and a diamond shape is formed by the crossed hands.
Maxexe Hold( Maxexe) Facing each other, the dancers clasp their left hands and hold them overhead. Their right hands are at their waist. Dancers frequently sway and swivel their upper bodies while they dance around each other.
Tandem Hold( Tándem) Partners face the same direction, one behind the other. Matched hands are held either at the shoulders or on the hip. They move together in same direction. the follower is in front of the leader.
Sidecar Embrace( Abrazo Compensado) Same a close embrace, except partners are offset outside each other. They may make hip-tohip contact.
Butterfky Hold( Mariposa)— Photo by Juan Mey
Open Butterfly Hold( Mariposa Abierto) From butterfly, partners roll out to a single hand hold with arms raised to shoulder level or above. The position appears form a double-Y with partners standing next to each other. Usually, they will return to a butterfly.
Shadow Butterfly( Sombra Mariposa) From a shadow position with the leader behind the follwer,, grasping her hands and forming a Y-shape.
There are many other embraces and holds that the partners may take. It all depends on them and the music. The most imprtant thing, regardless of the embrace taken, is to maintain a connection with your partner. Tango is conscious dance. There maybe dreamy moments, even dreamy dances and tandas. But, awarenes and connection with your partner is essential.
Banjo Embrace( Abrazo Compensado) Same as sidecar embrace, but the opposite side.
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