Switching from American to International

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pygmalion

Well-Known Member
Learning International Style -- The Big Plunge

A year ago, I asked my then dance coach whether I should learn international style ballroom. He said there was no need, unless I'd be using it for competition. I wasn't competing at the time, and he was right. I had very little use for it socially, so I didn't bother.

Well, now things have changed, and I'm plunging headlong into the competition world. So now the question stands, not for me (I've already decided LOL :lol: ) but in general. Since most comps in the US have categories for both International and American styles, is there any advantage to, especially an American, amateur dancer learning International style?

Oh yeah, and while we're at it, what about International competitors? Is there any advantage to them learning American style?
 
I'll haphazard a reply and suggest that international is a little more challenging. :) I've done very little of both American and International, for waltz, rhumba, and tango. For all three I've found International to be a little more difficult.
 
Well, if as an am, you want to compete at world's, you won't be dancing American style, LOL!

So, if your goal is to become a world class competitor and go to events like Blackpool, you'd HAVE to dance International Style.
 
For Latin vs. rhythm, as a person trained in American style, the big challenge would be learning the stepping into a staight leg versus stepping a bent leg divide (as I understand it). OPh yeah, and learning a couple new dances -- jive and paso doble.

For smooth/standard, the biggest issue, IMHO, is getting comfortable with dancing in body contact inclosed position, which is the goal for American style, too. Right? :?
 
8) Yeah. I figured that. That's the story of my dance life. Get attracted by the tip, and then stymied by the iceberg. :oops: :lol: And you can bet I'll be back here, posting discoveries, every step of the way. :wink:

I figure I have to at least try the International style. I may not excel at it, or even like it, but, since my goal is to be a well-rounded dancer, I have to try it.

Interesting. I was reading an old issue of DanceBeat, where various judges were critiquing a top-level American rhythm competition. The assessment of several judges was that the performance they saw was like "sloppy International style" rather than excellent American style, and that American and International styles, particularly for a crossover dance like cha cha, are becoming more and more alike. Needless to say, my curiousity was piqued, since I had little idea of what they were talking about. So now the quest is to find out.
 
Some random thoughts....

(warning: long rambling post. Definitely skip if you are easily bored or disinterested)

Where to begin.....

I definitely agree with msc, definitely the very tip of the iceburg. As an amateur who is trained in both styles, I can only tell you there is tremendous benefit to learning International Style. Since taking the plunge, my dancing took a quantum leap in almost every aspect.

I find International style definitely more demanding because it requires better footwork, technique, and balance to do well. Coincidentally, these are all things that make for better dancing in general. These also happen to be be qualities that are highly desirable in a competition setting. Once I competed in American style on a last minute whim (another story for another time :wink: ) after having been about 2 years removed from American style. Despite my long break from American style coaching and lack of preparation (no choreography! :shock: ), we did quite well and placed very favorably against dedicated American style dancers! In hindsight, all I did was execute simple patterns with better technique and that was enough to do quite well.

Yes, International style is a separate category from American. Knowing International style is essential if you want to compete in International but I also believe that knowing international style will also make you a better American style dancer. From my experience watching Professionals, I notice that some of the very best American Style pros are also accomplished International style pros and the difference is quite noticeable on the dance floor.

To me, it was initially difficult to learn. While I was considered to be a decent american style dancer when I started, I struggled with International style. For months I simply couldn't get the feel for it. Retraining my body was initially frustrating. To make it worse, it was nearly impossible to practice in a social setting since the predominant social style is American. So, I readjusted my strategy and perservered in spite of these challenges.

By observing numerous talented International Style pros easily make the transition to American style, it would seem that to transition from International to American Style is easily done for someone who is well trained in International. Personal experience tells me it can be rather challenging to go from American to International style, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

After a year of study in International style, movements that were once difficult to pull off in American style were now easily comprehended and executed with ease. I found Rhythm to be much easier to do and people commented on how sharp I made it look. I really started to enjoy Smooth even more than before and it became really effortless with the added balance and technique you learn in international (some might say it became extra smooth 8) ).

As far as social dancing, I was initially concerned that International style would take away from my enjoyment of social dancing and make it more difficult to lead since the predominant social style is American. While I was now able to dance socially in both styles, opportunities to dance International style in a social setting were few and far between. Gradually over time, greater quality of movement that comes from practicing International style made leading easier and somehow made previously "unleadable" patterns easily lead. Social dancing became even more effortless and fun.

Warning: Once you take the plunge, you may never go back :wink:

Back to lurk mode...
 
This is not long and rambling. For me, it's totally on point, and actually helped me figure out some things, and re-set some goals.


For example, I was planning to do my ISTD exams for International this summer, along with my bronze "leader" exams. Wrong. I think it's going to take a lot longer than I thought.

Also, I believe completely what you say about International versus American. My coach was trained in International as a child. And truly, he's the best teacher I've ever had -- I think the difference is teaching approach and discipline. American style does appear to be more lax. Fortunately for me, with the coach I have, laxness will not be an issue. What a slave-driver! (And I love it! 8) )
 
If you watch a world championship Int'l event, you'll see "Student Associate" moves scattered throughout all routines. Of course, the level of execution of those moves is unbelievable, but still, even the most basic of Int'l moves can be very, very challenging to perform at a high level.
 
I'm going to buy (or borrow) a couple of the world championship videos. All I have to date is US stuff which is good, but probably not what I'm looking for.
 
Int'l Style

Jenn:

You go, girl! I started with Int'l Latin so I can't say much about American style but I know that the sharpness, precision, speed, and clarity of Int'l style will help in any style of dance. I've even incorporated it into club style salsa dancing. Also, I really like Int'l because SAMBA IS SOOOOOO COOOOL!

Of course it does seem to be more difficult to find a less experienced partner in Int'l style to compete with (I've been taking privates for less than a year.)

So, don't lose heart when learning all of the technique stuff-- it seems to take forever to learn and one day you just get it. And you're like "I had no idea I could move like that!"

Also, if you are ever in Tampa, let me know and we'll dance Int'l style.

--Chris
 
:kissme: Thanks, alpha! I'll let you know how the internationl style project is coming. It probably will be a challenge to find a partner, but what the heck? It's not easy finding someone in American style, either. May as well hold out for what I really want.
 
International Standard is has always been close to my heart. I LOVE Quickstep It's my favorite dance right now.

I definitely agree with the concept that International can improve your American, especially when it comes to the smooth. I dance in contact in both styles, and this seems to be the norm. One thing cool about learning International is you can import virtually all of the steps into American style. You'll also find that most steps in American style that are danced in contact are perfectly fine to dance in International (except Bronze Foxtrot).

Trying to think back...some of the first things I learned in International after having danced American for a few years were...
- getting lower into the knees, which later resulted in much stronger use of my legs.
- getting more flight, and in general, being able to travel further in fewer steps (ex. I can dance a Waltz box step almost twice as far).
- A much better understanding of dance position
- Learning how to take steps that are long, slow and balanced. This is one of the greatest challenges that I still face today (case in point: Foxtrot)

For those of you that have never taken the time to learn International Standard, I hope you will give it a try. BTW, it's okay for Americans to dance International! :lol:
 
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