Terminology

Orientation

  • Inside is the closed side in closed position.
  • Outside is the open side in closed position.

Hand Holds

name
abbr hands
description
double hand hold DHH natural
inside hand hold IHH natural inside hands only
outside hand hold OHH natural outside hands only
handshake HS switched
left handshake LHS switched
double handshake DHS switched right over left
left double handshake DLHS switched left over right
hand knot HK natural right over left
left hand knot LHK natural left over right

Body Positions

name hands body otn L/F/D description
freestyle - square - - no contact
open - square - - any hand hold
closed natural square - - traditional ballroom hold
half closed natural square - - closed + drop outside hand
cradle natural square - - like an open cuddle
sombrero switched inline I,O - arms over heads
cuddle natural inline I,O L,F L/F half turned
copa switched inline - L,F,D L/F half turned
hammerlock either square L,R,I,O,D L,F,D hand wrapped low
lola either square L,R,I,O L,F hlock + hand wrapped behind head

Spins and Turns

  • Spin = weight on one foot until you land
  • Turn = weight changes feet one or more times before you land
  • Naming:
    • (L)eader / (F)ollower
    • (Q)uarter / (H)alf / ()Single / (D)ouble / (T)riple
    • (I)nside / (O)utside
    • (T)urn / (S)pin
  • Extra half / quarter use exact numbers: 2.5, 3.5
  • Examples:
    • FDOS = Follower Double Outside Spin
    • LIT = Leader Inside Turn
    • 1.5 OT = One and half outside turn

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