ARM POSITIONS

Just like the feet, the arms also form precise positions. However since arms figure mainly to balance and enhance the  styling of the dances, less rigid rules govern them in ballroom dancing. 
     These arm positions are based on the formal positions of ballet, but are not limited to ballet’s strict technique. 
     In all arm positions, the whole arm should be totally relaxed. Arms should be lifted by the elbow, using the shoulder as a fulcrum, and should utilize the principle of force points in every movement. 

1st ARM POSITION: ARMS EXTENDED FORWARD, elbows out, forefingers touching, palms facing down. The shoulder should be slightly higher than the elbow, which should be slightly higher than the wrist, which in turn is slightly higher than the hand and fingers. This position is seldom used in ballroom dancing. It's variation is to keep the hand close to the chest, bending at the elbow, and used mainly for the lady’s independent  multiple turns toward or away from her partner. 

2nd ARM POSITION: ARMS EXTENDED TO THE SIDE, elbows facing back, palms facing up or down. This position is used mainly to help accelerate and ‘force’ multiple independent side turns by the lady. Also used in such positions as the Shadow Position.

3rd ARM POSITION: ONE ARM EXTENDED TO THE SIDE; THE OTHER FORWARD. This combines the first and second arm positions. 

4th ARM POSITION: ONE ARM EXTENDED TO THE SIDE; THE OTHER RAISED ABOVE THE HEAD. The raised hand should be straight but not stiff, with palm either facing inside or outside. Fingers should be slightly together, all facing the same direction. 

5th ARM POSITION: BOTH ARMS RAISED ABOVE THE HEAD, palms facing inside or outside. The arms should be straight but totally relaxed. 

GRACEFUL ARMS, HANDS AND FINGERS
       Some dancers style their arms to suit special dances, and veer away from the formal arm positions such that they are not necessarily extended forward, sideward, or upward, but diagonally side up or down. Feel free to try out various positions, but practice them in front of the mirror to check how they look before using them in front of an audience. 
       Amateur dancers tend to flatten their palms and extend their fingers in all directions. This makes the fingers look stiff and heavy. If you are the follower, try to keep the whole arm, including the hand and fingers as relaxed as possible, and keep the fingers facing in one direction. 
       Some dancers loose control of their elbows and let them fall in a sharp angle. While this may be part of individual styling, each dancer is advised to compare the suggested arm positions with this styled position, and use which ever is more personally comfortable and visually appealing  in terms of overall effect. 
       Professional dancers keep their palms narrow and the fingers together, positioning the thumb toward the palm and below the forefinger. This makes all the fingers point in one direction. In a totally relaxed position, the middle finger is lower than the forefinger and the ring finger. Try this and see the difference when you practice the arm positions. 
       Fight the urge to use strength in your hands and fingers. This only stiffens them and your arm, which will only negate the controlled movements of the other parts of your body. Instead, master the force points. Always relax your arms, hands and fingers even when they are extended. 
       Whatever arm position you decide to use for the different dances, remember to use the appropriate force point to keep that ‘sharp’ and confident look.