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For many ballroom dance students, confusion sets in within the first few months of lessons as to what the differences are between many unfamiliar dance terms such as Bronze, Silver and Gold, International and American, Latin and Rhythm, Standard and Smooth. This short article serves to define and differentiate between the terms "International Latin" and "American Rhythm."
"International Latin" refers to the 5 dances that are identified in International dance competitions, and danced by dancers across the globe including a growing number of dancers in America. These dances are the Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble. The leg is straight and the hip is over the placement of weight on each step. This style developed in Europe and is danced socially and competitively in the majority of the world outside of the USA.
"American Rhythm" refers to the 5 dances that are identified in American-style competitions and is danced both socially and competitively in the United States. These dances are the Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, and Mambo. The hip moves opposite of the moving leg, creating a counter-balancing effect and enabling more body movement in the torso. The American Rhythm hip motion is more authentic to actual Cuban Motion used in Latin American social dances such as Salsa.
Both styles are considered "latin dancing," however, the two styles are completely different in many ways such as technique and appearance, yet similar in that they both involve comparable emotional and behavioral interpretations. Beats per minute (BPM) may also vary between the two styles in dances such as Cha-Cha-Cha and Rumba, which are danced in both styles. Some instructors may specialize in one or the other, or both. Ideally, if you want to be able to dance socially in the United States, the American Rhythm, (or the American Style if you include the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, etc.), is adaquate.
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