American Style of Ballroom Dancing

The title of this paperback was Ballroom Dance, American Style. It was printed in 1995 and is no longer in print. It may purchased for $15 but it is also for sale at prices up to $80.

The purpose of this book was an attempt to get agreement from ballroom dance teachers in colleges and universities on a syllabus for a beginning class and standardized names for the variations.

The biggest conflict was of course the timing of the square step in rumba. Arthur Murray or Fred Astaire. Neither of them which are really "correct." By this I mean that it was "not" a Latin movement for a Latin dance.

The core curriculum was agreed upon by CBDA, but I couldn't be definite as to what CBDA is.  Additional steps for each dance are included following the core. Suggested musical selections are listed at the end of each dance.

Classics that have been popular through the years were chosen over current 'pop' songs. The Authors are" Shirley Rushing and Patrick McMillan

"Stranger in Paradise" by the Four Aces

International or American Styles.

by Patrick Woo, Waimalu

If you're watching ballroom dancing and wondering how to distinguish between International and American styles, here are two points to look out for that may help.

International Standard is danced almost exclusively in closed dance positions while American Smooth allows more open work where the partners can separate from each other and dance in open positions.

Much better of course. In fact most winners of International titles will use open positions in their exhibitions, because they look better.

The Latin and Rhythm dances tend to be a bit harder to tell apart. The dancers' leg action is probably the best clue as to which style they're dancing here.

In American Rhythm, the dancers will use a bent leg action allowing them to delay their change of weight on the step, so you will frequently see them with bent legs. From the old indian style through out the Americas. A two count on the same foot, the toe, then the entire foot, which would result from the straightening of the bent leg. It would also result in a hip action that has been referred to as Cuban motion.

However, in International Latin, the dancers usually have the look of two straight legs which comes from the faster change of weight on the step. The faster change of weight allows them a few extra seconds in which to pose dramatically on the slow count. But that is show biz.

The tightness of the rules in International make it ideal for competitions. But the looseness of the American make it so very acceptable for Social dancing. Most of us are social dancers and you have to choose. 

There are. of course. differences in the moves/steps/figures allowed as well as other things, but it can get complicated and I admit I don't know a tenth of the entire thing.
Pat