You can dance Argentine Tango in closed or open embrace, the difference being the distance between you and your partner. My preference is open embrace for most partners as I am not always comfortable dancing chest to breast with a woman I don’t know very well.  Since I am almost 6’2”, I always dance open embrace with petite ladies because the physical size difference can make dancing uncomfortable for both of us.

Dancing closed embrace has advantages such being more precise in movements because you are physically closer together. Ladies are able follow easier because they can feel the leader’s movements and instantly react. Close embrace is more romantic, sensual, and emotional dancing that is often referred to as having a good connection. You can see the pleasure on the ladies faces as they dance and a good connection is highly desired by many ladies.

The advantages of open embrace are more energy and momentum created from expanding and contracting the distance between partners. Dancing open embrace usually has a livelier and more fun attitude, but it can be danced slow and sensual. It is easier for the dancers to see the foot and leg movements between the partners, but harder to execute some movements because of the distance between partners.

The embrace, whether open or closed, is a way to connect with another human being for a finite period of time. It’s like a hug, in a world where we are not hugged enough.  The embrace can transmit comfort, reassurance, affirmation or celebration. In close embrace, when you hold someone tightly and they embrace back in acceptance of you, it is a joyous feeling. No matter what is happening in your life, for those moments everything is O.K. because you have found acceptance from another human being.