I just started taking ballroom lessons after a 2 year absence. I have been told Ineed to work on my posture. I tend to lean inward and my right shoulder seems to creep inward alot. My lady instructer sometimes even pushes on my right shoulder to get it back and down. My problem is that when I lower my right shoulder it is hard to keep my right elbos up! any exercise or drills I can do to help with this problem?
thanks, Billman

Billman. You need to run the ruler over your idea of posture.Your right arm the elbow will be level with the front of your rib cage, not behind. The elbow will be slightly lower than your shoulder. Your hand on the lady will be lower than your elbow. A way of finding this position is. Fold your hands across your chest, at the same height as your shoulders palms in to your chest, elbows level with each other forming a straight line from elbow to elbow. Look to see that both elbows are in front of the rib cage. Don't push your chest out, this will cause a big front and a small back. From there simply open your arms. The ladies armpit should be on your wrist. The rest of your hand is just a decoration. The connection between you and your partners body is right side to right side. Very slight adjustments might have to be made if the lady is taller than yourself Happy Dancing

Thank you Billman as I was just about to ask the same question :)
And thank you Don for the answer.

I am having the same trouble with my right shoulder creeping up.
One of my instructors suggested standing with my back against a wall (to prevent the big front small back Don mentioned) arms extended to my side as if I was being crucified. From there move lower arms to their correct position and take a few slow steps forward to hold posture. It really does help while at the dance school, but at home I found I had a serious lack of free wall-space.
Therefor I am very thankfull for Don's suggestion which seems to be possible with less space or even without a wall.