Curl -
Not exaclty sure what you mean by "uncomfortable" on the Link. But keep in mind that it's not the same Link that you know in Int'l style. Instead of turning to PP between steps 2 & 3, the weight is placed to side on step 3, and the tick to PP takes place on the following "slow" count. In other words, it's a simplified version for beginners. One could just as easily dance a more traditional Int'l style Link in its place.
There's nothing inherently "American" about this Link, though. Technically, it could fit just as easily into Int'l style without compromising form. If you think about it, you could (and people do) stand in just about any position and tick to PP. For example, in the Student Teacher syllabus, it is permissible to tick to PP when the feet are closed, followig such figures as an Open Reverse Turn with Closed Finish. And of course, Open-level competitors know no bounds when it comes to creative ways of acheiving PP.
One thing you should realize is that there is no difference in American and Int'l style technique (at least, not in the Smooth). In fact, most serious American style Smooth competitors study Int'l style as their technical foundation, and many compete concurrently in it. The only technical difference between Smooth and Standard is the fact that Smooth dancers can break away from body contact. That's it -- nothing else.
It's also interesting to me that the one thing you singled-out as something that bothered you was the tick to PP, because that's literally the only thing in the variation which is not inherently American. It seems more likely that you're displeased with our execution of the figure, rather than the figure itself. Of course we're always open to criticism, so if you want to be more specific about what bothers you, we'd be interested to hear it.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson
www.ballroomdancers.com
