In ballroom dancing and other dances, frame is the way the dancers' upper bodies are held when in dancing position.^[1][2] In swing and blues dances, frame is the body shape and muscle tone maintained by dancers, which allows the leader to communicate moves to the follower.^[3]

The frame is the way the dancers hold their hands, arms, shoulders, neck, head and upper torso. A good frame helps with balance and movement and also produces a good appearance of the dance couple.^[2]

The correct way to hold a frame depends on the particular dance; it is different in International Standard, International Latin, social Latin dances such as salsa, and others.

The frame provides connection between the dance partners, making leading and following possible.^[3] A frame is a stable structural combination of both bodies maintained through the dancers' arms and/or legs, and allows the leader to transmit body movement to the follower, and for the follower to suggest ideas to the leader.^{[citation needed]}