Self Preservation

It’s called the arm-breaker, the Apache, hammerlock position. It is commonly used in swing (in spins) and salsa dancing (for cumbias). When executed correctly, it’s perfectly safe. However, if the lead does it wrong, it can cause serious damage to the follow’s shoulder. To avoid this injury leads should move the follow’s arm down to their side before placing the follow’s hand comfortably below their waist on the small of their back. If a follow feels pain from a lead trying to pull his or her arm up in this position without going down first, he or she can push his or her shoulder down and lock it in place to avoid further injury.

If you find yourself dancing with an aggressive dancer who is attempting to lead or back lead you by forcefully pushing and pulling you, tell them you like a really light lead/follow. If they don’t lighten up, use more tone/tension in your muscles than you would normally.

Women- if you are dancing in closed position and a man tries to pull himself closer to you than you would like to be. Move your left had from the top of his right shoulder to in front of it. Then you can use your left arm to keep him further away. Also, remember you can always walk away.

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