While dancing it is imperative to stay connected, however this does not refer to a death grip!

Leaders place your hand firmly on the followers shoulder blade, up underneath her arm, not in the middle of her back. Give her enough support to allow her to settle back into your hand and  form a connection. Followers do not “lean” back to establish this connection.

Followers, place your hand lightly upon the leaders shoulder, arms touching and connected without expecting the leaders to hold up your arm. Do not grip their shoulder. Place your hand  into the leaders hand and gently close, do not grip tightly.

Both Leaders and Followers must hold up their own arms. While turning, followers should create a cup with your hand so that the leader is able to freely move his fingers within your cup.

Of course there are different frames for different dances and you must make adjustments accordingly, but the above rules still apply.