What makes a great frame and why do we need one? Imagine your frame is like the optical fibre lines connecting your house to the internet. A great frame helps the leader easily communicate direction and timing to the follow. If there are kinks in the frame the signals will be uncomfortable or delayed like slow dial up internet!
Firstly check your posture. Imagine blowing up your chest like a big balloon and standing up with a straight back. For Cha Cha and Samba, the leader’s left and follow’s right hand will be held around the eye level of the follow. The other hands will connect to the partner”s shoulder blade with the follow’s arm resting on top.
Some points to think of:
The entire frame should be shaped like a wine glass - nice and rounded.
Elbows always stay in front of your body and slightly below the shoulder.
Your arms should have some tone in them to allow for easy communication with partner.
Imagine gently pulling your hands together to create some tension.
Some fun ways to practise frame is when holding a shopping trolley. Imagine there’s a wire connecting your elbows to the centre of your torso, wherever your body goes so do your elbows. Check out the video below to become a master of frame!