Alright, buckle up, dance enthusiasts! Ever wondered about the dazzling world of ballroom? It’s not just about fancy footwork (though there’s plenty of that!), it’s a whole universe of twirls, dips, and gliding across the floor with a partner. Think of it as a delicious dance buffet, with tons of flavors to try. Two of the headliners are the American Smooth and the classically elegant International Standard ballroom dance.
American Smooth, born right here in the USA back in the early 1900s, is like that cool kid who mixes things up, throwing in moves from all sorts of dance styles. You’ll see it strut its stuff in the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and the super speedy Viennese Waltz.
On the other side of the pond, we have International Standard, a European charmer that loves a good, solid embrace and boasts its own fantastic five: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and the zippy Quickstep.
Ready to dive into the delightful details? We’re about to explore what makes these two styles so special, from their groovy beginnings to the nitty-gritty of how they are danced and even how they face off on the competition floor!
Historical Tapestry
The Evolution of International Standard Ballroom Dance
International Standard ballroom dance traces its roots back to the European court dances of the 17th and 18th centuries, with many of its foundational steps adapted from earlier folk traditions. The formalization and standardization of this style occurred primarily in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A significant event in its development was the “Great Conference” held in 1929 in England, which aimed to establish a consensus on the steps and overall character of ballroom dance within the country.
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) was instrumental in codifying the techniques and syllabi for the International Standard dances. From its early development, International Standard emphasized a consistent closed frame as the primary form of partner connection. Some historical accounts suggest that the maintenance of a closed position may have been influenced by practical considerations in earlier social dances, such as the wearing of swords by gentlemen.
The evolution of the International Standard reflects a tradition of formal social dancing in Europe, with a strong emphasis on codified technique and the maintenance of a specific and unbroken partner connection.
The History of American Smooth Ballroom Dance
American Smooth ballroom dance emerged in the early 20th century within the United States, drawing inspiration from popular social dances of the era, such as swing and jazz. The style was significantly influenced by iconic dancers and choreographers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, whose performances showcased a blend of traditional steps with innovative and expressive movements.
American Smooth developed as a more social and less formal alternative to the traditional ballroom styles prevalent at the time, prioritizing greater freedom of expression and movement for the dancers. Institutions like the Arthur Murray Dance Studios and the Fred Astaire Dance Studios played a crucial role in shaping the style through their teaching methodologies and popularization efforts.
While the style initially included the Peabody, it later became standardized to feature four core dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. The development of American Smooth was thus closely intertwined with the evolution of American social dance and entertainment, reflecting a cultural inclination towards more dynamic and visually engaging performances.
Decoding the Dance: Key Characteristics
International Standard: The Rigor of Closed Position
International Standard requires dancers to maintain a consistent closed frame throughout the entirety of each dance. This unbroken closed hold is a defining characteristic of the style, emphasizing a strong sense of unity and connection between the partners. Specific body positions within this closed hold are crucial for effective lead and follow and require significant training to perfect.
The floor patterns in International Standard primarily involve moving counter-clockwise around the rectangular dance floor, strictly following the established line of dance. While the choreography involves traveling patterns, the constant closed hold inherently restricts the use of open space and solo movements compared to American Smooth.
The style is traditionally danced to Western music, often classical compositions or pieces from the early to mid-20th century. Music tempos for competitions are strictly regulated: Waltz at 84-90 BPM, Tango at 128 BPM, Viennese Waltz at 174-180 BPM, Slow Foxtrot at 112-120 BPM, and Quickstep at a brisk 200-208 BPM. The choice of music prioritizes the traditional character and established
American Smooth: Embracing Openness and Flow
In contrast, American Smooth is distinguished by its allowance of frequent breaks from the traditional closed dance position into various open positions. These include side-by-side arrangements, the shadow position where partners move in the same direction slightly offset, and open facing positions where partners are apart but facing each other. This freedom from a constant closed hold enables choreographers to create more varied and visually expressive routines, incorporating dynamic movements and intricate patterns.
American Smooth also utilizes unique body positions and styling that are not typically found in International Standard, drawing influences from other dance forms like ballet and jazz. The floor patterns in American Smooth tend to be expansive, utilizing the entire dance floor with sweeping movements and larger steps. Choreography often incorporates both circular and linear patterns, adapting to the nuances of the music.
The style is danced to a diverse range of Western music, often from the mid-20th century, including big band swing, romantic pop ballads, and even electronic tango. The tempos vary depending on the specific dance within the Smooth category: Waltz is typically danced at 84-96 beats per minute (BPM), Tango at around 120 BPM, Foxtrot at 120-136 BPM, and Viennese Waltz at a faster 150-180 BPM. The selection of music often complements the expressive and sometimes theatrical nature of the style, allowing for a broader range of emotional interpretation.
The Art of Connection: Holds and Partnering
International Standard: The Unbroken Frame
International Standard places a strong emphasis on maintaining a consistent and precise closed frame as the fundamental mode of partner connection throughout the dance. This unbroken frame provides a stable and reliable connection that is essential for executing the intricate movements and maintaining the characteristic elegance and unity of the style.
Achieving and maintaining proper frame and connection requires years of dedicated training, as it demands a high level of physical coordination and sensitivity to the partner’s movements. The connection within the closed frame is the primary means of communication, requiring a deep understanding of body mechanics and subtle shifts in weight and pressure to lead and follow effectively.
American Smooth: Freedom Within Connection
Partner connection in American Smooth is dynamic and adaptable, evolving with the changing dance positions. While traditional ballroom hold is utilized, dancers also frequently employ single hand holds or even dance with no physical contact during open sections. This necessitates a different approach to lead and follow, where visual cues and subtle movements of the body become more significant in guiding the partner, especially during open work.
The freedom to separate allows for a more playful and expressive interaction between partners, enhancing the storytelling and visual impact of the performance. The connection is characterized by its versatility, enabling seamless transitions between moments of close intimacy and expansive independence.
Steps and Expression: Movements, Figures, and Styling
International Standard: Precision and Elegance
International Standard movements are characterized by their smooth, gliding actions, a strong emphasis on upright posture, and highly precise footwork, all executed within the confines of the closed frame. The styling is typically elegant and formal, with men traditionally wearing tailcoats and women in classic, flowing ballroom gowns, adhering to a more traditional aesthetic.
The figures in International Standard focus on the fundamental steps of each dance, executed with impeccable technique, seamless flow, and a refined sense of musicality. While expression is vital, it is conveyed through subtle nuances of movement within the established framework of the style, prioritizing a classic and sophisticated appearance.
American Smooth: A Blend of Influences
The movements in American Smooth incorporate a diverse range of influences, including elements from ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This blending of styles allows for the creation of expressive lines, dramatic shapes, and a greater range of movement possibilities. The styling in American Smooth is often more theatrical and can vary significantly depending on the chosen dance and the choreographer’s vision.
Costumes in this style reflect this freedom, with followers often wearing more flowing and less restrictive dresses compared to Standard, and leaders having options beyond the traditional tailcoat. The repertoire of figures in American Smooth can include lifts, drops, and intricate spins, which contribute to the visual excitement and dramatic flair of the performances.
The Competitive Arena: Structure and Judging
International Standard Competitions
International Standard competitions include syllabus and open level events, providing a structured pathway for dancers to progress. Judging in Standard competitions places a strong emphasis on technical precision, including posture, the maintenance of a consistent frame, accurate footwork, and musicality, all within the constraints of the continuous closed hold.
Additionally, floor craft, which is the ability of the lead to navigate the dance floor effectively and avoid collisions while maintaining the flow of the dance, is an important judging criterion.
International Standard competitions prioritize the mastery of traditional technique, the creation of elegant and flowing movements within the closed frame, and a sophisticated presentation.
American Smooth Competitions
American Smooth competitions often feature events at various proficiency levels, including syllabus categories like Bronze, Silver, and Gold, as well as open levels such as Novice, Pre-Championship, and Championship.
Judging criteria for American Smooth typically encompass technical skill, artistic expression, showmanship, and the effective integration of both open and closed dance positions within the choreography. The style’s allowance for more creative choreography and solo work can also be a significant factor in how judges evaluate performances.
American Smooth competitions generally value both the technical execution of steps and the overall artistic impact and entertainment value of the routine.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Divergence and Shared Heritage of American Smooth and International Standard
In conclusion, International Standard and American Smooth represent two distinct yet equally captivating styles within the realm of ballroom dance. While both share a common heritage in European social dances and include many of the same core dances in their repertoires, they diverge significantly in their approach to partner hold, movement, styling, and overall aesthetic.
The foundational difference lies in the freedom of American Smooth to incorporate open positions and breaks from the closed hold, which allows for a more varied and theatrical style.
In contrast, International Standard emphasizes the unbroken connection of the closed frame, demanding exceptional technique and fostering a sense of elegance and unity. Both styles, however, are beautiful and valid forms of ballroom dance, appealing to different preferences and offering unique avenues for artistic expression.
As ballroom dancing continues to evolve, both American Smooth and International Standard remain testaments to its rich history and enduring appeal.
