A Storied Tradition: The Timeless Bond of Ballroom Dance
Ballroom Dance Lessons Studio Summit, NJ
Ballroom dancing has long been cherished as a partner style rich in tradition. Emerging in 16th-century royal courts, early forms developed from historic folk dances are still practiced across Europe. The graceful waltz, for example, is said to have had 18th-century Austrian peasant origins before becoming a popular ballroom staple. While competitive variations certainly exist today, many continue embracing these dances socially, bonding with others while connecting to timeless roots. Whether privately shared or theatrically performed, ballroom’s focus on togetherness has captivated admirers for generations. Its rhythmic steps have carried partners across ballrooms and history, linking the present to dance’s cherished past one movement at a time.
The Divergent Footprints of International and American Ballroom Dance
For those seeking ballroom dance lessons, studios, instruction, or training from qualified ballroom dance instructors in Summit, NJ, the ballroom world has bifurcated into two prevailing styles that share a passion for partnered movement yet bear their distinct techniques and influences. International Style first took form in 19th-century England before spreading abroad, often driven by the sweeping music of iconic composers like the Strauss brothers. Emphasizing precise footwork and frame, it eventually divided into Standard and Latin subcategories popular in global dance sport circles.
In contrast, American style ballroom emerged stateside between 1910 and 1930, incorporating new rhythms and relaxed stylings from ragtime, jazz, and iconic dancers like Fred Astaire. Uniquely blending technique with improvisational social flair, it expanded over the years to welcome dances like Mambo and West Coast Swing. American Style later split into distinct rhythms and smooth subgenres, leaving room for competitive dancers and casual social partakers to enjoy the ballroom their way. Though different in footwork and pedigree, both schools celebrate ballroom dance’s time-honored ability to uplift the body and connect the spirit.
Exploring the Distinctions Between International and American Ballroom Dance Styles
The International Style epitomizes a classic “old school” ballroom, characterized by a continuous closed dance position, where partners maintain body contact throughout the dance. In contrast, American Smooth mirrors its international counterpart but allows dancers to temporarily separate into an “open position” within their dance frame. The early stages of training reveal the International Style’s greater discipline compared to the American Style, which often begins as a social hobby before evolving into a sport.
American Style introduces the option of exhibition solo work, providing couples greater choreographic freedom. While both styles demand technical proficiency, the American Style offers more flexibility in closed figures, contrasting with the stricter limitations of the International Style. Ballroom dance competitions also showcase divergent dresses for American and International Styles. In International Style, dresses feature floats from the tops to accommodate the continuous closed position, a design unsuitable for American Style, which incorporates open and closed positions.
Shall We Dance?
At our Summit, NJ ballroom dance studio, your interests come first when charting your journey with our ballroom dance lessons, instruction, and qualified dance instructors – whether competitive, social, or simply for fun and fitness! We provide International and American Style ballroom dance training as you prefer, each offering distinct tempos and techniques spanning waltz to tango. Those wanting high-energy Latin may pick a different intro course than wedding couples focused on that perfect first ballroom dance.
Ultimately, the choice is yours – match your goals and personality to tailor the ideal ballroom style and start moving at your pace. Are you eager to try a new dance workout? Have big ballroom dreams? However you envision getting your groove on, our styles, videos, and intro deals close to you give every student their best start with our ballroom lessons and training. Contact us to learn more about our ballroom offerings!