Closed Position

The closed ballroom hold requires the maintenance of five points of contact between the partners while they are dancing. These consist of three hand contacts:

1. the man's left hand holding the lady's right hand,

2. the lady's left hand resting on the top of the man's right upper arm (behind the arm in the Tango),

3. the man's right hand placed on the left shoulder blade on the back of the lady.
   
   

In addition to these 3 hand contacts, there are two more areas of contact:

4. the lady's left elbow rests on the man's right elbow, and

5. the right area of the chest of each partner touches that of the other.
   
   

Ideally, in this hold, the lady's upper arms are both held horizontal by a suitable placement of the man's arms and hands. This not only makes it comfortable for the lady to follow the man's lead, but also gives the couple a deportment of regal appearance.

From History Of Modern Ballroom Dancing by Don Herbison-Evans,
and reprinted in DRDC newsletter, June 2010