My wife and I have been ballroom dancing socially for several years and, other than the Tango, we have always kept a little distance between us for smooth dances. Now, a new instructor we have wants us to dance all our smooth dances with our hips touching. I am finding this to be a very unforgiving position and right now, neither my wife nor I are enjoying it. How many of you dance your smooth dances connected at the hip? How many with some space? I would like to hear any and all thoughts on the subject. Thanks!

I agree to the connection 100%....although the "hips" are just one contact point, and not exactly the primary point. You should aim for the diaphram area with a right side to right side contact. When I teach new people, I do allow them to keep their distance, as they are just learning, it is uncomfortable, and since there is no experience dancing, there is more possibility of stepping on feet. In smooth dancing the body should be the primary leading focus, as it should not be done through the arms. Body rotation, swing/sway will turn the lady's head, indicate prom pos or closed pos, etc. Tango however is a rotary dance, so there would be no swing. Hope this helps....