The differences between International Standard and American Smooth Dance

The ‘International Standard’ and ‘American Smooth’ are not indicative of any specific dance form. In fact, they represent the collection of ballroom dances included in the ‘International Style’ and the ‘American Style’ of dancing; the International Style, being the set of dances that get judged in global ballroom dance competitions.

These two groups roughly correspond to each other in terms of their content, one being specific to the American context and the other to a Global context.

The ballroom dances included in these collections are Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, FoxTrot and Quickstep with some subtle variations.

The International Standard includes Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Slowfox, Tango and Quickstep. Ballroom dances of this category are taught and learnt in a standard way, in the sense that, the steps and terminology used are the same any where in the world. Hence these dances are ideal for International competitions, where the participants have a standardized platform for exhibiting their talent.

In the Standard form of dances, the partners dance in a closed position, where both body-contact and co-ordination of movement are to be maintained. It is a more exacting form of dancing, since perfecting the position and movement comes only with time and lots of practice.

The American Smooth comprises Waltz, Viennese Waltz, FoxTrot and Tango. The dance movements have a characteristic ‘American’ influence, with flowing movements. The partners need not necessarily dance in a closed position as in the ‘Standard’ form; they could just twirl off independently and then get back into position. Timing is the key. The twirl and the lock have to be executed flawlessly.

Apart from the music, the costume or outfit befitting the dance form is of utmost importance, especially for competition purposes. Outfits for the ‘Standard’ form concentrate more on the ornamentation on the back and the sleeves of the dress, since the form requires a closed dance position.

The outfits for the ‘Smooth’ form have to do due justice to the full attire, both the front and the back. The dress has to be elegant and flowing, probably with no frills obstructing the graceful twirls.

All these dance forms were intended for both social dancing and competitions. Though there are a few dances common to both collections, choosing the appropriate music will often provide that competitive edge. The American Smooth Tango is slower, FoxTrot faster, Viennese Waltz much slower, and Waltz faster than their International Standard counterparts. The subtle variation in the tempo of the music will distinctly identify the local flavor.

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