Just Musing

WOW! It's been many moons since I last submitted an article to be published in Joe Martel's mini-dance magazine called "Dancing In The Dark". Yeah! that was a spell back in the late 90's and early 2000's. But at a recent dance at the Palladium, a DeeJay asked me "What's the difference between the American Style and International Style of dancing?" He said that he had read my article on that subject in the mini-magazine. Nice to know that the treasured mini-mag is still hanging around and still have some useful info for those who want to know the  difference between the International Style and American Style of dancing. For those who are interested in the difference, here's Dance Vision's answer as written in their FAQ 2005:

The American style is most popular in the United States, whereas the International style, which is also known as the English style, is danced throughout the rest of the world. The American Style Smooth dances, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz, experience more freedom and expression. They may be danced in closed or open position, allowing for additional innovative tricks and creative arm and hand styling. The International Style Standard Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz are danced only in closed position. The technique for both styles is similar. The American Style Rhythm dances, which are Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Samba, Mambo, Bolero,and Merengue, have a greater variety of patterns, and are more suited for social dancing. The International Style Latin Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive are more disciplined and technical. The technique is different between the styles and changes throughout the years. American Style dancing has always been more popular for social dancing in the United States.

So there you have it from an authority who's Teaching The World To Dance. And technique have changed throughout the years. I think Pepe (Joe Martel) hit da nail on da head when he coined the phrase "fusion dancing" some years back in his Weblog. I noticed that "Dancing With The Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" no longer uses the term American Style and International Style in their TV shows. It's just Foxtrot or Waltz or Tango, or  Rumba or Cha Cha, etc. (except when a country's name is hooked on like Argentine Tango and Viennese Waltz).  I think the fusion of the two styles  have brought more excitement with dynamic moves, and entertainment with sparkles and power in the showcases. But then, I'm just musing.

2013 IBDI 3rd Term Student Party and Dance

The IBDI 3rd Term dance classes are all pau for now and it was time to party and dance this past Monday at the Palladium. It was also a time for the students to shine by dancing the course they had accomplished during the past seven weeks, and for the dance instructors to demonstrate what they will be teaching during the 4th Term. Lani and I got off with a late start to the Palladium but in plenty of time to pick up our prepaid bento. As a pleasant usual Our Gal Dana Morey was at the Reception Table with her captivating smile.  The guys and gals serving out the bento were all smiles, too and presented a welcome sight.

Not too many dancers on the dance floor but the swinging tune "Rock Aound The Clock" soon got many of them rocking. Got me rocking too with the evening's DeeJay Joella. Nonstop dancing continued till IBDI Prez Chris Jay took to the mike and made a brief announcement of the IBDI 52nd Anniversary Ball on August 17, and Dance Magic 808 2nd Anniversary Ball on August 9.  Then it was time for the students to shine.

First were the students from the Mambo class.
  Instructors: Frank and Lani Sierra.

Second were the students from the International Samba II class.
Instructors: Jimmy and Mae Matsumoto.

Third were students from the International Tango I class.
Instructors: Ernie and Karen Choy.

Fourth were students from the West Coast Swing class.
Instructor: Carolyn Noah.

Fifth were students from the International Quickstep class.
Instructors: Richard and Lynn Nakamura.

And sixth were students from the American Tango II class.
Instructor: Jim Prado.

It was a good showing by all the students.

The 4th Term Dance Classes registration starts on Monday August 22 at the Palladium. During that same evening IBDI is hosting a West Coast Swing Workshop with Debbie Borges (please surf to my other Weblog "That's Dancing" for more info).  The 4th Term dance classes will start on Monday August 29 at the Palladium. Here's the lineup:

International Rumba I with George Suetsugu.

International Tango II with Ernie and Karen Choy.

International Foxtrot I-II with Ed and Matilda Felix.

American Cha Cha I with Frank and Lani Sierra.

Argentine Tango I-II with Robert and Vanelle Hirayasu.


American Waltz I with Jim Prado. 





Door Prizes were given to lucky ticket holders. Then Prez Chris Jay called everyone to the dance floor to participate in the Wild, Wild West Line Dance. Leading the pack were IBDI Prez Chris and Charlene Jay. Social dancing continued till closing.