Self Preservation techniques
Defense from the Most Common Offender
It’s called
the arm-breaker, the Apache, or hammerlock position.
It is commonly used in swing, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and
salsa dancing. When executed
correctly, it’s perfectly safe. However,
if the lead does it wrong, it can cause serious
damage to the follow’s shoulder. Including:
Strain of the pectoral and rotator cuff muscles of the chest and shoulder girdle.
Torn rotator cuffs.
Subluxation of the upper ribs of the back.
Dislocation of the shoulder.
To
avoid this injury, leads should move the follow’s
arm (or their own when putting themselves into hammerlock position) 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 help avoid
further injury.
Undue Force
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, go into defense mode and use more tone/tension in your muscles than you would normally. This type of dancer is likely to attempt to force you into dangerous positions. Keep your frame rock solid, keep your weight over your own feet, and resist any dips or tricks they may try to lead or back lead.
Too Close For Comfort
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 the front of it. Then you can push against it to keep him further away. Also, remember you can always walk away in the middle of the dance.