Modern Tango World #4 (Bucharest, Romania)

One Hand Hold (Solo Uno Mano)
Dancers only hold their lead hands, the leader’s left
and the follower’s right. This is most commonly used
as a practice embrace to overcome the leader’s
grasping with the right hand. The right hand should
lightly hold the follower to the frame of their torsos
and should not be used to direct the follower’s
movement
Matched Hand Hold (Mano Contraria)
With the partners facing each other, the leader’s left
hand holds the follower’s right. The leader’s right
hand holds the follower’s left in the embrace.
Close Embrace at the Close Embrace Festival
Champaign, Illinois, USA
This embrace is what in popular terminology is called
cheek-to-cheek. The partner’s cheeks are in contact,
either left-to-right or right-to-right. The embrace
strong and consistant, Often, the followers arm may
be over the leader’s shoulder or wrapped around
his neck. As the name, implies this is a very intimate
form of embrace.
Practice Embrace (Abrazo Practica)
This is the least intimate of all of the embraces. It
used by novice dancers and by instructors with pupils.
There are two forms of practice embrace. In the first
case, both dancers hold each other’s biceps. In the
second form, the follower’s hands are placed on the
chest of the leader to provide a greater connection.
In both cases, the dancers are quite far apart, so that
they may observe each other’s movements.
Hand Holds
Fundamentally, there are only two types of hand holds.
But, in practice there are four. In the standard hand hold
for partner dancing, the leader’s left hand is opened to
receive the open palm of the follower’s right hand. The
leader then closes his fingers around her hand.
No Hand Hold (Sin Manos)
In this hands-free connection between the dancers,
no hands are held. The lead is indicated through the
movement of the upper torso, head turns, and eye
movements. This difficult form of leading and following
is a very important practice hold. It requires a great
deal of concentration and attention to each other.
Rarely do dancers dance an entire song this way. More
commonly, a few moves are made this way, and the
couple returns a matched hand hold.
Same Hand Hold (Misma Mano)
Gentleman’s left hand holds the lady’s left. His right
hand holds her right. This hold is common for Doble
Frente when both partners face the same direction.
Variations
OK, that was the basics. Here come some variations.
There are many more than we have room in
these pages to describe. Here are a few of the more
well-known kinds of embraces and holds. These are
only an idea of the variety of possibilities.
Neck Embrace (Abrazo Cuello)
In a Close Embrace, the follower may place her left
hand around the gentleman’s neck. This may be
enhanced by placing both hands around leader’s
neck. If she does this, the leader places his arms
around her waist.
Hammerlock (Bloqueo de Martillo)
Partners facing each other with opposing hands
held, similar to closed embrace, except that the
follower’s left arm is held behind her back in the
;eader’s right hand.
Teapot Embrace (Abrazo Tetera)
Similar to the closed embrace, except partners raised
arm are in contact at the elbow, so as to form an
upright angle, similar to the spout of a teapot.
Feathered Embrace (Abrazo Plumado)
Partners are offset 50%. Hips overlap, with upper
body torque towards each other.. This may be to
either side, left or right.
Cradled Hold (Cunita)
In cradled holds, the partners face the same direction
with one of the gentleman’s arm wrapped around
her waist, holding her inside hand. The othe hand is
crossed in front holding the gentleman’s other hand.
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