Dancing Bachata with the Men's Leg in between the Ladies' Legs

I wonder what Edie from a few years ago would think of Edie currently, where one of her DVDs, with Jorge doing Bachata she's selling the "sensuality".

So what's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnyioPReGoY ? You may be shocked to see Jorge's doing the broomstick. (And also some weird shake the ragdoll move - would that work followers? Looks like purely for show on the DVD).

I think it's fair to say the technique can be useful (in bachata especially, but sometimes in salsa also) for full quick 360s as a couple - it guarantees pretty much that you're going to get round in time, and that you're much less likely to step on each other - the knees by being loosely interlocked help out.

Some words from the DVD promo from Edie about Jorge:
"Probably one of the world's most famous bachata instructors. Not only does he dance amazing, have beautiful turn patterns etc etc... he is probably one of the best leads in the world... as far as I [Edie] am concerned, you are the best lead in the world in bachata."
"The unique thing about Jorge that i've found, is that not only does he make me look good, but he makes me feel good" [during which the footage shows interlocking knees]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBGJD6P6IJw

I guess there's a continuum as to how close you get - the more the broomstick effect. Having the leads knee ever so slightly closer to the follow than hers, to create the interlock would likely be enough for a dance where you want to be a bit closer than open position, but not that close.

[If you're appalled by the broomstick effect, I urge you never to actually look up the real meaning and history of the broomstick...]

If you know the dance partner, and you're both ok with the close position in salsa, bachata, then it can be fun to use - not all dances need to be frenetic. If you're with your beau, then go ahead!

Some leads might use bachata as an excuse to get closer/more close than the follow was expecting or wanting. And like salsa, the follow has the power to determine the closeness.
Pick your partner to dance bachata wisely I guess.

These kinds of close intimate dances may wax and wane in some parts of the world, but i'd reckon they've been going on somewhere, for a long time! Pushing sensuality, passion, sexyness, and then getting frumpy about intimacy and closeness in a dance doesn't make sense, especially in the backdrop of other dance styles pushed (seen sometimes in salsa weekenders, all day and night events etc, where you can get the post-water shed dance fun)

As you say- The main rule of engagement between two dance partners: “Leaders lead and Followers follow, but the Follower dictates the (dance) space between her and the Leader”.