With North being straight ahead and West to the left side. Where should the mans head be positioned in the International Style of Standard , example as in the Waltz.

Approx in between .

CAn i talk angles rather than compass points. North is 0 degrees, West is 90 degrees to left.
From what i've seen, i would say that in normal closed hold position, the head should be about 30 degrees. In promenade position, it would be close to 90.
One thing that does make me think a little. In normal closed hold, the man turns his centre to the lady. without having a twist in the spine, this would rotate the shoulders very slightly to the right of 'straight ahead' (i.e. north or 0 degress).
Have i got this right? It means that the head would start off to the left of the man's body alignment.

Thats a fair description-- one has to take into account, the length of the mans neck and any restrictions that might apply-- also-- personal preference .

If you take a look at your more recent DVD's you will see the man looks straight ahead with the lady standing well to the right side of the man. As Len used to say If its uncomfortable it is wrong.The more the face turns to the left , the more tension there is in the neck. See if you like the position which can be clearly seen in Learn the Dances on this site.

Have you watched the recent hit series, Dancing witht the Stars? In it you can view how to hold your head, man or woman. Being a professional dancer from France and I would say that in gerneral you see the lady tilt her head more then the man, the mans should be opposite of the lady's. If you would like more detail, let me know! - Ernie

One has to be very careful here to not confuse the social aspect of dance, with the extreme position used in comp. work