If you have heard these terms and are wondering what they mean, here is a little help. First off, this is not a comprehensive discussion of all the minute details that differentiate these styles, neither is it a value judgement as to one being better than the other. Instead, I hope to provide a general description of the styles and their major differences so that we have a common language to discuss and understand these dance styles.
A little history: International Style ballroom has its roots in the 19th century centered around balls popular with the upper classes (hence the name Ballroom Dancing). Dances like the Waltz and Polka were popular. Modern ballroom dancing, which we might call International, began to take shape in the 1920s. Around that time in England dance competitions were held with some of the dances we know today, but the technique and figures were not standardized. In the 1930s, English dance teachers decided that then needed to bring some order to the chaos and standardized tempi and defined the technique and figures of the dances. What we now call International Style was often originally referred to as the English Style.
The American style had its origins in the early 20th century, somewhat based on what was happening in Europe, but influenced also by early Jazz and Vaudeville. This evolved into a more relaxed, social style of dancing in the 1910-30s. For example, the Foxtrot is named after a Vaudeville performer named Harry Fox. Of course, Fred Astaire in the 1930s was also a major influence. The American Style eventually became more codified in the 1940s with dance teachers like Arthur Murray. This developed into the chain studio system still in place today with chains like Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire studios.
International Style dances are grouped into two categories: Standard and Latin. Standard includes Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. Latin includes Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive. In the American Style, dances are grouped into Smooth and Rhythm. Smooth includes Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz (no Quickstep in Smooth). Rhythm includes Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. Since there are only 4 dances in Smooth, dancers that do both Smooth and Rhythm are known as 9 dancers, while International Style dancers who do both Standard and Latin are known as 10 dancers.
The most obvious difference between International and American Styles is that in International Standard the dancers do not “break hold”. In other words, the dancers are always in close contact with each other. In American Smooth, especially at more advanced levels, dancers mix figures done in hold with figures that are done apart or with minimal contact. Because of this, International is, in a sense, more classic ballroom, while American is considered more theatrical.
When it comes to Rhythm (American Style) vs. Latin (International Style) there are several differences. Most obviously, each style includes some different dances. Cha Cha and Rumba are included in both styles; although, they are performed a bit differently. Mambo, Swing, and Bolero are only danced in American Style, while Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive are only danced in International Style. You can make an argument that Jive and Swing are close cousins, with Jive being a faster version of Swing.
There are many other, maybe less obvious, differences between these styles, but I think these are the most distinct. I hope to dive into more of the details of these styles in a future post.
Happy dancing.