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Dance PrimerAmerican versus InternationalBallroom dancing has a long history in Europe. In promoting ballroom in America, several changes were made. Some changes simplify the steps, others allow for "flashier" moves. Many dances have two versions, the one used by America, and the one used by the rest of the world. Hence you will see references to Rumba, American Rumba, and International Rumba. Some dances only appear in one category or the other. In addition to some differences in steps and techniques, often the tempo is different between American and International versions (perhaps why International Foxtrot is often called "Slow Fox"). One example of the differences is a topic you may have heard discussed on Dancing with the Stars: the difference between closed and open frame in the Waltz. In International Waltz, the lady is supposed to remain in the man's arms the entire dance (except for opening and closing moves). In American Waltz, the couple may "open up" and dance side by side, at arm's length.
Ballroom dances have another division, one that's most readily apparent by the length of the lady's dress. If the lady has on a long dress, then the dance is Smooth (American) or Standard (International). The dance will be one that moves around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction with the lady in the gentleman's arms. There are 4 American Smooth dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. There are 5 International Standard dances: Waltz, Tango, Slow Fox (International Foxtrot), Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep. For American Smooth, the lady wears a long gown, and the gentleman wears a suit. The gentleman generally wears a jacket or vest with a shirt and tie, although collarless tunics are being accepted (provided they are buttoned up to the neck). For International Standard, the lady's gown often has feathers around the bottom and the gentleman must wear white tie and tails. International Standard is also more restrictive on footwear. The lady is expected to wear "court shoes" (closed toe satin pumps), and the gentleman is expected to wear patent leather shoes. In Smooth, forward steps are taken with a heel lead. Standard has both heel-toe and toe-heel foot placement, and a lovely move where the lady executes a quarter turn on her heels! In both Smooth and Standard, feet point straight ahead during forward walks.
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Academy Ballroom is located at 1537 Downtown West Blvd Ste 4-5, Knoxville TN 37919 | |||||
URL http://academyb.com/ABprimer.shtml modified: 1/17/2007
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If the lady has on a short dress (and "dress" may be a euphamism for costumes that can approach
the coverage of a bikini), then the dance is Rhythm (American) or Latin (International). The dance
will stay mostly in one area of the floor (the exceptions are Samba and Paso Doble) and the
couple may move apart.
There are 5 American Rhythm dances: