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International Standard: (Ballroom)
Waltz: One of the oldest of Ballroom Dances, it has a distinctive 3 beat measures. The Eagles performed the song “Take it to the Limit” which is actually a beautiful Waltz.
Tango: Sharp and staccato, parodied often in commercials and movies, it portrays a very passionate connection between the couple.
Viennese Waltz: Like the Waltz only much faster. “You and Me” by Lifehouse is a recent song on popular radio that Viennese Waltz is danced to.
Slow Foxtrot: Created by Harry Fox, it is a light and flirty dance made popular during the big band days.
Quickstep: Actually a form of the Foxtrot but when the Jazz Band music increased the tempo, the dance took on a whole new personality.
American Rhythm:
Much like the International Latin, it even shares some of the same dances:
Cha Cha: fast and flirty dance easily danced socially in clubs to popular music. Usually the tempo is slower than the International Cha cha.
Rumba: Slow and sultry, the dance of love. The American version is slightly faster and more Rhythmic.
East Coast Swing: Like the Jive in International, it is done to slightly slower Rock and Roll music and has a “Swinging” action as opposed to the sharper kicks and steps in the Jive.
Bolero: Slower than even the International Rumba, it has a lifting action as well as a swaying action of the body.
Mambo: Maybe most well known on the movie “Dirty Dancing” it is a very Latiny fast dance. If you learn the Mambo, you will easily be able to dance a Salsa. The music and movement are very similar.
American Smooth: (Ballroom)
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz
Rather than explain the dances again, let’s just discuss the difference between American Smooth and International Standard.
Standard is always danced in a frame, the man and lady’s partnership always remains in a hold.
Smooth can be danced in Frame or even side by side, shadow or in tandem. The couple can break from the frame at any time and come back into frame as well.
Why is there a difference?
Only subtle differences exist between International and American Styles. International is danced around the world and the steps are exactly the same from one country to the next.
The American Style is based on International Style but developed to easily teach people to dance. Many dance patterns and amalgamations in American Style are easily linked together so a couple can quickly learn to dance together and add more patterns for more variety. In the U.S. couples have the option of competing in either one or all four styles but to represent the U.S. in competitions abroad, you must dance the International Styles.
A couple that competes in all 10 International Dances are called 10 Dancers.
A couple that competes in all 9 American Style Dances are called 9 Dancers.
Mark and Rhonda compete in all 9 American Dances but are certified to teach and have students who compete in International as well as American Style dances. Whatever you desire to learn, Mark and Rhonda have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your dream.
Do I have to pick a style?
Not at all. If you just want to learn just one dance for that special occasion such as a wedding, let us help you choreograph that flawless first dance that looks smooth and expresses the love the two of you have. Bring in your song on CD and we will help you with a dance that you can call your own.
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