Ascent to Desire

The lifting partner stands with feet hip-width apart and knees softly bent. The other partner wraps their arms around the lifter's neck and jumps or climbs up, wrapping their legs around the lifter's waist and crossing their ankles behind. The lifter supports them under the hips or thighs with both hands and keeps their own back straight. Once settled, the lifted partner can lean back, arms outstretched and hands still locked behind the lifter's neck, which shifts their weight and changes the angle. The movement comes mostly from the lifted partner rocking against the lifter, since the lifter is busy holding steady. Staying upright and close is easier to hold; leaning back is more dramatic and asks more of everyone's arms.

A thrilling, spontaneous moment, often on the way to the bed. It's very close and very face to face.

Start with the lifted partner sitting on a dresser or high bed edge, then lift from there instead of from the floor. Lean the lifter's back against a wall for support if arms start to tire.

Keep it brief and plan your landing: walk toward the bed and lower your partner onto it before anyone's arms give out.

This one takes real strength and balance. Skip it with a bad back, wrists or knees, and try it near the bed so there's somewhere soft to land.