What is the proper way to position your hands when waltzing?

Question:

What is the proper way to position your hands when waltzing?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The man offers the lady his left hand. His thumb is up and the other 4 fingers are together. The lady softly takes her right hand and clasps his thumb, so that her thumb is around his, her palm is across his palm and inside his fingers, and her other 4 fingers rest lightly on the back of his index and middle fingers. This is comfortable, natural, and not as complicated as it sounds. Try it and see.
The man should be "opening up," stretching his arms out so the upper arms slope slightly downwards from the shoulders, and his left (her right) elbow should be bent so his left and her right hand are at head level. He should adjust to her height. His right arm will be out somewhat, so she can come in to dance position.
As she comes in, he places his right hand on her left shoulder blade, with the heel of his hand at the back of her armpit (good hygeine is appreciated here). She places her left arm over his, and the V formed by the fork between the thumb and index finger finds the base of his deltoid muscle, a natural notch for her hand that's about a third of the way down the upper arm from the shoulder. Her thumb should be inside that notch and the index and middle fingers should be held together on the outside of the notch. It's important that these fingers not be spread. The 4th and 5th fingers can be held with the others or slightly spread, and you'll often see the 5th slightly spread and extended to form a pretty shape. This is a matter of personal style.
If body contact is to be used, the hands and arms are now in position and the couple can settle in and find the appropriate body contact. You're now ready to go.
A wide, solid frame gives a good line (though his left/her right hand need to be up, not straight out where they'd interfere with other couples), and communicates directions and turns better, while avoiding "crowding" the lady, which would restrict movement. That's why, when you see top dancers, the top line looks so tall and wide.