Smooth and Standard (American and International continued)

Earlier I gave a simple definition of the difference between the American and International styles of dance.  Let me delve into the difference between the two similar divisions, Smooth, which is part of the American dance style, and Standard, which is part of the International style of dance.

American Smooth consists of Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz, while International Standard consists of all these, with one addition: The fast and exciting quickstep.

Okay, with the exception of Quickstep, all the dances in both divisions have the same names.  They must be the same dances, right?  Wrong!  Here are the differences:

In Smooth, you are allowed to break the dance hold, simply meaning you can execute elaborate spins for the lady and all kind of other 'fancy' moves.  Also, Smooth figures tend to be extremely crude, not at all nice to lead or dance if you are a very experienced dancer, but to the inexperienced dancer, they are easy to pick up and start dancing right away.  This is why Smooth in my opinion should remain as only a social style.

In Standard, breaking the dance hold is not permitted, meaning there are only 2 dance positions, open (or promenade) and closed.  You are not allowed to break contact with your partner at any time, meaning no 'fancy' turns or such.  The figures have had much more thought put into them and require much more technical skill to execute, but, once mastered, are far more satisfying than any Smooth figure.

As I mentioned, in Smooth you are permitted to break dance hold and do all kinds of turns and spins.  I personally find these to be very inelegant and silly.  Anyone can do silly spins and twirl all around, but if you can make yourself look good while maintaining contact with your partner, which is required in Standard, it looks so incredibly wonderful compared to any silly spin in Smooth.

-Aaron Mullen