We are already halfway through our bronze level American syllabus in both smooth and rhythm when we had an unexpected exposure to international style. To make a long story short, we have decided to learn them simultaneously but we are not so sure if this is advisable since there are significant differences in timing resulting in some confusion. Another option is to finish American then proceed with Int'l but this would probably take years. Any advise from those who have learned both styles is appreciated.

Rice- When I first started dancing, I learned American first. At that time - 11 yrs ago, one didn't start Int'l style until Amer. Bronze completion and into Silver - with some exceptions. A few reasons could be: 1)one should be well rounded in "social" dancing, to be comfortable in a social setting- a dance, wedding, etc. 2)Int'l style is more "competitive" like Silver Amer. and above - more technical, some continuity, slower (or faster) tempi depending on dance, etc. I dance and compete in both styles, and enjoy them both, but I feel that one should start with a social background, and if interesred in competition, learn Int'l along with American, as different as they are, they can also be similar. Learning/competing in both styles improves the quality of one's dancing, and makes one more knowledgable. I hope that my opinion has helped you. Good luck in your dancing. Len

Len - Thank you for sharing your opinion. We actually discussed what you've said and it seems to make more sense in our situation.
Rice

Hi Len,

I was just wondering whether Amer Bronze is actually a competition or an "exam/test". In my club, when we do a Bronze, Silver etc, it's more to do with learning the steps and putting a routine together for the "medals" which is more or less an exam. Is that how it works in America too?

American style has both examinations and competitions, although (not surprisingly) they tend to be limited to studios and competitions in America.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson

Champignon- as Jonathan responded, the American style of dancing can be used for both medalling and competition, as medalling moves you up to the next level in a studio, it also moves you up to the next level at competitions. Happily, I've been noticing an increase in American style competition in both the Pro/Am and Am/Am divisions in the past few years, and a strong and very competitive division within the Pro ranks.
Jonathan- my former instructor is the very talented Larinda McCraven. Great Web site and very informative. Len

I've only been dancing for 8 months (although at least 10 hrs every week), and I've been doing international for 3. If you can find instructors who actual know international (not American instructors pretending to), there's no reason not to learn them both simultaneously. I'm already dancing silver in American (not silver syllabus-- USABDA silver competition level), and the only thing that's holding me back in international is that I've just now found coaches who know it! Learning the 2 styles won't hurt you at all-- in fact, exploring the differences has helped me understand each of the dances much better.