It is generally easier for a total beginner to start with the American style dances. This is because it is more forgiving from a movement and technique perspective. International style requires a certain proficiency in coordination to begin with. You also need to be clear on your goals.... if you wish to social dance, go out and have fun and meet other dancers, start with the American style. International style dancers don't social dance. If you wish to compete and/or do shows or eventually turn pro, start with International style. You can also start with American style if you wish to compete only in the US. If you want to look good, the technique training in International style is best. That is why I always stood out as a social dancer... I invested in good technique training in International style. The term Latin Ballroom dancing is rather broad and can encompass either the International Latin Rumba- Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble or Jive or American Rhythm dances - Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Salsa, Bolero, Merengue, Samba or East Coast Swing. For anyone learning to ballroom dance, I don't recommend only learning one dance in your Ballroom Dancing classes or private dance lessons. There are so many cross-training benefits from learning both Rhythm and Smooth or Latin and Standard. Once you get the foundation in, then specialise if you wish.
Karen Mills loves all forms of dancing, in particular partner dancing. She started dancing street salsa in 1991, then street swing and street hustle. Karen was a former Champion competitor in International Latin Ballroom from 1995-2001 and graduated top of her class (High Honors) from the Teacher Certification program at Ballroom Dance Teacher's Academy. She teaches ballroom dancing classes and private dancing lessons in American Rhythm, American Smooth, Nightclub Dances, International Latin and International Standard. Karen is a technique specialist and focuses on adults. She has successfully taught 100+ beginner adults how to partner dance, transforming their lives. For over 20 years, Karen has been coaching, mentoring and teaching - introducing new concepts to many people - from her days in the computing industry introducing innovative new technologies to hundreds of large corporations and thousands of people, to her life as a coach, dancer, artist helping others find happiness and helping business owners get their lives back! Please visit my ballroom blog http://ballroomdancingclasses.us for more useful tips on ballroom dancing classes. For information on life coaching, please go here http://coachinglifeadventures.com
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