Do people in USA have a different technique from the Europeans? I mean not "American style" but dancing in competitions.

Hi, Jaci:

Let me be brave to answer your question, as I am basically an American style dancer who also dance some very limited International style.

It is my observation that U.S. ballroom dancers who dance and compete International style, dance exactly the same technique as their European counter part. As a matter of fact, many European top teachers regularily come to U.S. to teach and coach. Some of these top teachers had made permenant stay. Many top U.S. International style competitors will also make effort to England for advanced training and coaching.

In the past 5 years, U.S. International style competitors have improved so much and competed in England/Europe for quite impressive results. However most of the world's prestigeous competitions still dominated by European dancers, particularily British dancers or dancers who trained in England.

Benefit of an International style ballroom dancer is, he/she can go abroad and feel right at home in every dance functions.

Regards,

Keh Gough

Hi,Keh
Thank you for answering to my question. I suppesed so. But I have been tought in Europe and when I came in USA, I saw a little difference between two techniques in International style. I wanted to know if it depends on coachers or on difference between USA and Europe.Bye, Jaci

Hi, Jaci:

Sadly to say, dancing skills of majority of International style Ballroom dancers in America still not quite to the par of their European/British counter parts. That is perhaps why you have observed the seemingly technical differences. This is not to say that top level of International style dancers in U.S. are NOT trying to perfect their skills and achieving the same technical excellency of top European/British dancers.

Coaches and teachers are not created equal. I had seen some pretty sorry British International style instructors. Just because he/she speaks with British accent does not automatically make he/she a better coach or teacher. On the other hand, an excellent dancer is not necessarily an excellent coach or teacher. Therefore student product varies.

I hope this answer your question.

Regards,

Keh