2 classification of ballroom dance and its meaning

International Style competition dances - The International Style is the “English” form of partner
dancing. This style is typically learned after you have a base knowledge of the American Style. It most
often is used competitively, but many people enjoy dancing this style socially as well.

Standard

Waltz: 28 bars per minute, 3/4 time, also known as Slow Waltz or English Waltz depending on locality

Tango: 32 bars per minute, 2/4 time

Viennese Waltz: 60 bars per minute, 3/4 time. On the European continent, the Viennese waltz is known
simply as waltz, while the waltz is recognized as English waltz or Slow Waltz.

Foxtrot: 28 bars per minute, 4/4 time

Quickstep: 50 bars per minute, 4/4 time

Latin

Samba: 48 bars per minute, 4/4 time

Cha-cha-cha: 30 bars per minute, 4/4 time

Rumba: 24 bars per minute, 4/4 time

Paso Doble: 56 bars per minute, 2/4 time

Jive: 42 bars per minute, 4/4 time

American Style competition dances (only in the U.S. & Canada) - American Style is the most popular
and common style to dance socially. However it is a great style for competitive dancing as well.

Smooth

Waltz: 28–30 bars per minute 30–32 bars per minute for Bronze

Tango: 30 bars per minute 30–32 bars per minute for Bronze

Foxtrot: 30 bars per minute 32–34 bars per minute for Bronze

Viennese Waltz: 53–54 bars per minute 54 bars per minute for Bronze

Rhythm

Cha Cha: 30 bars per minute

Rumba: 30–32 bars per minute 32–36 bars per minute for Bronze
East Coast Swing: 36 bars per minute 34–36 bars per minute for Bronze

Bolero: 24 bars per minute 24–26 bars per minute for Bronze

Mambo: 47 bars per minute 48–51 bars per minute for Bronze

American Smooth versus International Standard

Although American style smooth and international style standard (formerly `modern') are taught very
differently, the styles are very similar. The most obvious difference is that int'l standard includes
quickstep, which is not part of American smooth. The other major difference is that int'l style permits
figures in closed position only, while American style allows open positions and even solo actions. Beyond
that, the main differences between the two styles are in emphasis rather than result.

American Rhythm versus International Latin (or Latin American)

Compared to smooth/standard, rhythm/Latin has relatively little overlap. While each category has cha
cha, rumba and a swing dance, int'l has samba and paso doble, while American has bolero -- another,
slower rumba dance -- and mambo. The rumba dances are dissimilar, even in their basic counts, with
steps on counts 1, 3, 4 for American and 2, 3, 4 for int'l. Most importantly, the hip motion differs: in
American style, one steps onto a bent leg; in int'l style, onto a straight leg. [Henry Neeman]