Do Fred Astaire dance schools teach international style?

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Question:

I am 21 years old and I am very interested in competing in ballroom (more specifically Latin dance) and going pro!. I have been reading up on that type of dancing and have seen many people say that if you are serious about it then going to a school that teaches international style instead of American is the way to go!. I'm not sure what that means and I am just wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a good school or let me know if Fred Astaire is the best one to go to!. I live in Arizona so if you know of any good schools or teachers here that would help alot!. I'm really excited and just ready to get started so please let me know!. Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The easiest way to break into the business is to start off teaching!. A good school will pay you while they train you!. Then you gain knowledge as you teach!. It's much better than spending money on an education as a student, so you can make money as a pro!. Fred Astaire primarily focuses on American style dancing which is a typically "social" style of dance!. However, as a professional competitor, American and International style are very similar!. It just depends on what you want to do!.

In International Latin, you have Cha cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso doble, and Jive!. In the American Rythm, you have Cha cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo!. I would go on Youtube and watch as many videos of each style as you can in order to have a better idea of which way you want to go!.

Now, just because Fred's teaches "social dancing", does not mean that you cannot be a pro competitor!. There are many instructors that do both!. In Scottsdale there is a studio called Dancesport USA!. They run similar to Fred's!. Chris Lowe is the manager and he can explain more about it to you!. They're great, you'll have a lot of fun, and you'll make a lot of money!.

Good Luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Fred Astaire studios arent exactly designed for competitive dancers

Here are some links you might find helpful

http://www!.ballroomdancers!.com/Directory!.!.!.

http://www!.ballroomdancers!.com/Directory!.!.!.

http://www!.ballroomdancers!.com/Directory!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

International style is the way ballroom dancing is danced in most countries outside the U!.S!. But it is designed primarily for competitions and does not lend itself too well to social dancing!. Much emphasis is placed on technique and style and the rules are very strict!. Whereas in American style, there is much more freedom and it is more fun!.

If you livle in the U!.S!., american style gives you as many competition opportunities as international style!. If you learn american style, you will also be able to go to social dances and enjoy dancing with different partners!. You will not find many partners who can dance international style!.

I would start with the basics in ballroom dancing American style, both smooth (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, etc!.) and rhythm (Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Mambo, Merengue, Swing, etc!.), and once you are profficient, you can switch to International style later!.

Try to start by joining a dance class!. Some studios offer classes!. They are a good way to learn the basics and are much cheaper than private lessons!. Once you know the basics and still want to compete, you'll have to take private lessons!.

René!.Www@QuestionHome@Com