Hand Holds
Rich Reel 5 Jun 1999
There is some variation in styling for hand holds in Square Dancing
Dancers Facing Opposite Directions (Mini wave)
Forearm
- Historical / official (Callerlab) styling
- More common in the eastern U.S.
- Still widley used for Allemende Left and Scoot Back
- Best for turning - takes full weight and keeps dancers close together with the center of gravity at the ideal height
- Some complain that it is very unpleasant when dancing with dancers (usually men) who sweat
Hands Up - common from the first night of dancing through Plus
- Thumbs locked - a gental clasp that feels like a hand shake
- Very pleasant and comfortable position for your hand - feels like you are dancing with people
- Natural style selected by most newer dancers without explicit training
- Some argue this leads to injury as it is difficult to let go if the other dancer doesn't want to
- Crossed hands - hands flat, thumbs closed next to other fingers - hands lightly rest across each other
- Add a slight cup to the flat hand (curve) to take some weight while turning
- "Safe" - Reduces the chance of injury by elliminating "grabbing" (esp. for older folks with arthritus, etc.)
- Feels like less than a full handhold
- I feel this style transmits a subliminal message of mistrust: "I don't trust you with a handhold that you might use to hurt me"
Hands Down - common at Advanced and Challenge - more relaxed - eases strain on shoulders
- Hand shake - full but gental grip that will take weight while turning
- More common in the eastern U.S.
- Cup hand as hand contact is made as if to try to create a little suction with the other dancer's palm
- Try to keep thumb loose allowing the other person to break free if they need to
- Can be very comfortable - feels like you are dancing with people
- Feels "grabby" to some dancers (too much contact)
- Crossed fingers - hands lightly touch
- More common in the western U.S.
- Not meant to take any weight while turning, only to establish formation
- Reduces the chance of injury by elliminating "grabbing" (esp. for older folks with arthritus, etc.)