"In Amer. Rhythm, we keep our left arm at roughly a 90 degree angle and our right arm wrapped snuggly to her shoulder blade.
At the new studio, the left arm is held in the same angle as smooth dances"

Which would be what? If you ask us to call into question what you are being taught, we can't very well compare it to something else you are being taught based on an assumption that you are being taught the other thing right, we need the details of what is different about your left arm between rhythm and this teachers idea of latin.

"and her left arm is set on the mans deltoid muscle just like in smooth dances."

Most would probably want it more around the outside for latin.

Most of the work in latin over the next several years would be in the center and below, often in a one hand open hold or not even with a partner. And if you watch competition, you'll find a strict hold is rare. So I wouldn't get that worried about this, but would make decisions on the coverage of the other technical issues.

In standard styles, feet may have different angle also. such as natural turn 123 in lady , left foot backs, backing DW, left foot forward pointing LOD or DC, feet together parallel on 3.
And , we have toe in , toe out ...
Tony Burns preferred standard hold in Latin closed position ...
Yes, it depends on the coach or teacher.
Sorry, I am not good in English, I did not understnad " a full frame is not seen that much at advanced levels." I thought full frame = big volume and beautiful frame . Correct me, if I was wrong.


I experienced wonderful man's frame while I danced with top dancers . They all have huge , almost round , natural ( not rigid) and stable frame ( no shoulder stuck in/ out or droping etc )throughout the dances . Advanced male dancers must lead great , They did not stress lady, always gave you clear signals with their body ( hip, torso , knee ) in good timing . I enjoyed such freedom .

I have just been looking at the Wally Laird's book. IDTA. There are pictures in the front of the book. He is in an ordinary dance position which we all know. Very much like ballroom except the lady is dead to the centre of the men. And he goes on to say there are 23 Basic Positions. This is the International Style. The man's right hand can be around back or it can be on the ladies upper arm to shoulder. I doubt if you will see any of this in competitions. For instance in any of the big finals. The old Imperial book photos show the mans left and the ladies right hand and arm down to the elbow almost touching. It looks very artificial. Being that I start, as do others with a Hip Twist. Both of those holds have been given the elbow.