As I watch some videos of top level international standard competitiors and champions,they always seem to start their showdance routines with open "american" choreography.

My question is Why?. It is generally outdated american style choreography ( roll, 2, 3, check 2, 3, roll, 2, 3,) and bears very little resemblance to the quality of dancing they are able to perform in closed position.

So why bother? Is it really that impressive to the rest of the world? If so, then why isn't the rest of the world impressed with our top Smooth couples that are able to execute much more dynamic open work and blend it right into closed work. Creating a dance where the style of the open work is complimetary to the closed work and visa versa. As opposed to an 8 measure open intro transitioning poorly into closed and a 4 measure open ending with an open line to finish.

Why don't they just do some really great closed dancing and blow us away with that?

Dear Sarcastic-

I was talking about a worldwide merge...not a nice VW with Standard influence at a pro-am comp. The "American" styles are not likely to survive the international dance involvement of the US. As we come out of the dark ages of dance here, some things will have to change. Oh of course there will always be folks doing Bolero and American Rumba, East Coast Swing and the like. I just don't think they'll be done by serious competitors. Latin clearly dominates Rhythm as a style for a number of valid and logical (not just subjective) reasons. Standard however, may hold less of an advantage over smooth in some respects. I think you'll see the two combined somehow, though it may take another 25 years to happen.