Dancers new to ballroom in the United States often encounter two distinct competitive systems: American style and international style. While both share historical roots and many core dances, they differ in technique, rules, and competitive structure. Understanding these differences helps dancers choose the path that best fits their goals, whether that is social dancing, competition, or both.
Two Systems, Shared Roots
Both American and international style ballroom dancing evolved from the same social dances but developed along separate paths, particularly after international style became standardized for global competition through organizations overseeing amateur dancesport, while American style retained more flexibility for creative expression.
Dance Categories Compared
International style is divided into two main categories:
- Standard – waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep
- Latin – cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, and jive
American style mirrors these with two parallel categories:
- Smooth – waltz, tango, foxtrot, and Viennese waltz, danced with more open movement
- Rhythm – cha cha, rumba, swing, bolero, and mambo
Key Technical Differences
The most noticeable difference between the styles is the use of closed versus open positions. International style standard and Latin require partners to remain in closed hold throughout most of a routine, emphasizing continuous connection and travel around the floor. American smooth and rhythm allow dancers to break from closed hold into open positions, incorporating solo turns, extended arm styling, and more theatrical elements.
Why This Matters for Technique
- International style emphasizes continuous frame and floor coverage
- American style allows more creative freedom in choreography and styling
- International competitions follow standardized global rules for consistency
- American style often permits more variety in music selection and interpretation
Competitive Structure Differences
International style ballroom dancing follows rules set by global governing bodies, making it the style used in most international and Olympic-track dancesport competitions. American style competitions are more common domestically and often appeal to dancers who enjoy the additional choreographic freedom, though both styles maintain rigorous technical standards and dedicated competitive circuits within the United States.
Which Style Should You Learn?
For dancers interested in international competition, learning international style technique is typically necessary, since it aligns with global competitive standards. For those focused primarily on domestic competition or social dancing with more expressive freedom, American style may feel more natural. Many serious competitors eventually train in both, since the technical crossover benefits overall skill development.
Questions to Consider
- Do you want to compete internationally, or primarily within the United States?
- Do you prefer structured closed-hold technique or more open, expressive choreography?
- Is your goal social dancing, competition, or a combination of both?
Finding Instruction in Either Style
Most studios in the United States teach at least one style extensively, and many offer instruction in both so students can experience the differences firsthand. You can search ballroom dance classes by city to find studios offering American style, international style, or both in your area.
Two Paths, One Foundation
Ultimately, American and international style ballroom dancing share enough common ground that skills in one style transfer meaningfully to the other. Choosing where to start depends less on which style is objectively better and more on your personal goals, whether that means domestic competition, international dancesport, or purely social enjoyment.