What is dance contact?

Dance contact refers to the physical contact made between dancers while they are performing a dance. It can range from light touches and holds to more intimate embraces, depending on the style and nature of the dance. Dance contact is often seen in partner dances, such as ballroom, salsa, and swing, where dancers hold each other and move in coordination. It can also be found in contemporary, modern, and other dance forms that involve physical interaction between multiple dancers.

Here are some examples of dance contact:

* Holding hands: This is the simplest form of dance contact, often found in partner dances like waltz and foxtrot. Dancers lightly grasp each other's hands to guide and follow each other's movements.

* Waist holds: In many partner dances, dancers hold each other's waist to maintain a close embrace while they dance. This contact allows them to move fluidly and connect their body movements for better coordination and expression.

* Embraces: In some dances, such as tango, dancers engage in close embraces where their bodies are pressed together. These embraces enhance the emotional connection and expression of the dance.

* Lifts: In certain dance styles, such as acrobatic or contemporary dance, dancers may perform lifts where one person is temporarily held in the air by the other. These lifts require trust and a high degree of skill and coordination.

The extent of dance contact can vary depending on the dance style, cultural context, and personal preferences of the dancers. In some dance communities, it's considered essential to maintain respectful boundaries and consent, while in others, physical touch and contact may be more culturally accepted and openly embraced.