Types of Dance

What Is Ballroom Dance?

Two hands holding each other's wrists during dance routine.Ballroom dance, sometimes referred to as “partnership dancing,” is a dance that can be enjoyed socially and competitively.

It originated from dances held in the royal courts in the 16th century. Ballroom was also influenced by folk dances of the era — for example, the Waltz began as an 18th-century Austrian folk dance.

Types of Ballroom Dance

Wedding couple doing formal ballroom dance.Ballroom dance can be broken into two styles: International and American. The International style of Ballroom dance was introduced in Europe in the early 1800s. By the 19th century, International style was popular throughout the rest of the world, somewhat due to the music of Josef and Johann Strauss.

The International style of Ballroom is categorized into two sub-styles: Standard (also known as “Ballroom”) and Latin, and is typically used more in the competitive dance circuit.

In the U.S., Ballroom dance adapted into the American style between 1910 and 1930, due mainly to the influence of American jazz music and the iconic dance and choreography talents of Fred Astaire, who had a more social approach to dancing.

Since then, American style has expanded to include newer dances such as Salsa, Mambo, and West Coast Swing. It has always been driven by the development of music around the world. American style is categorized into two sub-styles: Rhythm and Smooth, and is used in social dancing and competitive ballroom dance arenas.

How Are Ballroom Dance Competitions Different?

Man holding woman's hand during dance routine. Woman is wearing a blue gown.International style is considered the classic or “old school” style of Ballroom. In International Standard, both partners remain in a closed dance position (meaning they stand in front of each other, in body contact) throughout the dance.

American Smooth is similar to its counterpart from overseas, but allows dancers to separate (called “open position”) in their dance frame, during the dance.

In the beginning stages of dance training, International style can be more disciplined than American (which typically starts first as a social hobby, then progresses to sport). American style can also include “Exhibition” solo work, which gives dancers more freedom in their choreography.

Both styles of Ballroom can be very technical with a high level of proficiency requirements. However, there is more freedom in the American style when it comes to closed figures, whereas the International style is stricter, with fewer figures offered.

In the world of Ballroom dance competitions, there are also differences between the ladies’ dresses or gowns worn for American versus International styles.

Because dance partners stay in closed position when dancing International, these dresses often have floats coming from the tops, which would not be conducive to dancing American style, which can feature open and closed positions.

Smiling couple dancing.

Get Your Dance On

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our talented and experienced dance instructors teach International and American Ballroom styles, and more. As a Fred Astaire dance student, you tell us which dance style you’d like to learn first.

For example, people interested in high-energy lessons for better physical health would likely choose a different dance style than couples looking for an elegant first dance for their wedding. No matter your ability level, age, or whether you’re planning to take your lessons with a dance partner or on your own, you’ve come to the right place.

Check out the links to the right to learn about each type of Ballroom dance and see a demonstration video. Then call Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey! (When you call, ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students.)

Contact us today to start dancing with us.

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