I have a habit of using my arms and shoulders more than my body or hips to go into promanade position during a link from the basic position. This will cause me to kick up or raise my right shoulder and totatally screw up my frame position. I know this is a common problem in tango or possibly other dances for guys. Has anyone had this problem and what did you do to correct it? I have been doing many links with my teacher and becoming more aware of what I am doing, but I still keep doing this bad habit.

Anonymous. In the Tango stay down. Knees bent at the start and also in the Link and any following steps. Make sure your partner stays down also. We often see a couple start off down and get to the Link and rise. Once you have achieved this down position neither of you will ever want to do it any other way. One more thing at the end of the Link look above the horizon level, chin up. If you don't, from the other end of the floor it could look as if you are diving into the ground. Golden Rule. Stay at one height

Anonymous. Click around on some of the photos , go to the Blackpool ones there is bound to be one of a couple just after the link. You will se they are still in a closed position with the ladies right knee touching the back of the mans leg. The left knee is in contact with the back of the mans right leg, the heel of the front connected leg is off the floor very high knee bent. All that is needed to promenade is to step one flooorboard wide to allow the inside leg room to come through with power. The man's foot will move before the lady if the lady is in the right position. Untill she feels the man is moving that position must be held even if you have to stay for a couple of bars. Major fault. No conection with the legs especially the front ,caused through being already in an open position at the end of the link.It is still better if you can find a photo to look at. Luv that Tango

Anonymous. I should have added that the weight should be completely over the right foot as a man. If you had a spirit level on the right side the bubble would be right in the middle. Years ago as a begginer it took the teacher to show me with a video how sraight I was not. That could be the problem with the right shoulder. Too eager to get going into a promenade.

Two simple rules to fix this:

1) Do not turn out in the shoulder at all for promenade, only in the hips. Your frame should not change between promeande and closed - the change is confined to your feet and to some extent hips. You topline and upper chest must stay oriented to your partner, not away from her.

2) Lady must stay behind the man in promeande. If she comes forward until she is in a comparable position, she will force his right shoulder forward/up and cause similar problems in herself.