Self Preservation

Defense Tecniques 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. Also, remember you can walk away in the middle of the dance.

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. Also, remember you can walk away in the middle of the dance.

Too Close For Comfort

Follows, if you are dancing in closed position and a leader tries to pull themselves closer to you than you would like them to be. Move your left had from the top of their right shoulder and to the front of it. Then you can push against it to keep them further away. If they continue to try to pull you close or push your boundaries, walk away (or yell for help to the couples dancing near you if they won’t let you walk away).  If someone is does this to you and you feel comfortable doing so, please report this person to the event promoter, DJ, and/or advanced dancers who fequent the venue. Talking to security is an option too, but security usually works for the venue and is not as invested in creating a safe dance community.