Standard Hold V. Latin Hold

[ShyDancer]

How much of a difference is there between the 2?

I had my first class aimed solely at standard technique earlier this week and the teacher (who is new to me) told me to take the hold, as soon as I was in position he said to me "ahhh, a Latin girl, I can feel it" .
I have to say I was quite suprised!

I know the position of the ladies left hand is lower on the arm than in Latin, however only ever dancing standard socially Ive never had to work on it (or worry about it to be honest)

I am afraid I have developed a bad habit that will be hard to break now in regard to my standard frame :?

[DanceMentor]

In latin I like the man's left elbow to almost meet the ladies right elbow with the bicep extending almost directly toward your partner. In smooth, I think the goal is to have a very broad frame, and the arms should be as expansive as possible.

I think it is quite common to have too broad of a frame in Latin. I am guilty of this sometimes.

[ShyDancer]

Ok so a broad frame..got it. Thanks DM :D

I also was told that my rear needs to be "tucked" in a little more than latin too..my teacher kept poking me in the butt :lol: :lol: :lol:
He told me laying flat on my back on the floor is good practice for this...

[bjp22tango]

In general, the frame or body balance of the two styles is opposite.

In latin, the there is more distance between the couple, so the arms are more rounded and closer in to the couple. The poise is a little more forward at the top of the body, making it appear or feel that the rear end is sticking out, and cuban motion accenting a backward hip action.

In standard, the couple is closer, touching right sides in the closest hold, therefore the arms are more widespread. The poise is leftward and slightly backward into the leaders arm for the ladies topline with the hips kept closer to the partner than in latin.

In neither case should the ladies balance be affected or her weight be leaned on her partner.

Swing, Salsa, AT, Balboa all have different frame requirements also. Oh, the challenge of being competent in all of them and being able to switch from one style to another :roll: :D

[Chris Stratton]

In standard, the couple is closer, touching right sides in the closest hold, therefore the arms are more widespread.

This is true, however I prefer to think of using up the closeness with more offset and a leftward stretch in both partners. The 'big' look doesn't come so much from having your arms sticking out, but from having your heads seperated.

[Kitty]

I know there is a difference and even know what the difference is, but can't formulate yet: the idea is too fresh in my mind.

Hope someone who can word it will answer.
Good topic!

I know that for a beginner the difference is tiny or there is no difference. Other concepts are more important in the beginning.

[Joe]

There's also a difference in the feel of the holds, aside from the look. The Latin hold requires more tone because the hold alternates between compression and tension. The Standard hold is much lighter, and should feature only compression, if anything. You can tell a Latin girl from the way her hold feels, even if she tries to make it look right.

[dancingdragon]

I had the same experience, ShyDancer, only in reverse! At a Salsa workshop someone said to me "Ah, I can tell you're a ballroom dancer by your hold!" (In fact I was learning both styles!!!) My understanding of the differences is similar to bip22tango's - my teacher says in Latin the hold is higher, with more "personal space" for both of you, i.e. a bigger gap between your bodies. In Ballroom the emphasis is on shoulders being back, heads left and right hips turned in. My teacher is also really big on the whole butt-tucking thing too!