Dance term
Open position
A hold where partners face each other with more space between them than in closed position, often joined by one or both hands.
In open position the partners dance facing each other but apart, usually joined by a hand or two rather than in a full frame. It gives room for turns, spins, and playful figures, and it is common in the Latin and social dances.
Moving smoothly between open and closed position is part of what makes a dance feel varied rather than repetitive.
Also called: open hold.
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