I personally prefer International style because it seems the technique taught can transend to American. On the other hand American combinations seem like alot more fun. So...I would take lessons from both kinds of teachers. You will be better off for it. Now stop complaining and get your bum out there and do something about your terrible dancing. You can improve!

Definitely 2 different styles but rather than say one is cr@p I'd be trying to figure out what appeals to you personally and go with that.

As an ISTD/International dancer what appeals to me is that I feel I am directly dancing with my partner more.

If I were an American style dancer I might find individual form of greater significance. Certainly that has great appeal for shows like "Dancing With the Stars" or "So You Think You Can Dance".

Both styles are ideally taken to their artistic height but personally a lot depends on the situations you'll find yourself in too.

Good luck in your choice.

OB

Sorry ! i am looking for a good school !
and now i know something a good lesson
What u Pay is WHAT U GET !

Not necessarily.

Unfortunately there are many out there that charge a fortune and give you nothing.

Then there legitimate teachers.

1. Ask the owner of your studio what the training background is of your personal teacher. Are you being taught by a trained and certified teacher or are you being taught by a relatively new teacher the owner trained themselves.

2. You might also look into private teachers. Again, ask about there certification. I don't know where you live but trained teachers here have either ISTD or CDTA certification. Other certifications should closely match ISTD (for International) criteria.

Hint: ISTD certification requires years of study. You can't whip it off overnight.

Note: Just because a person doesn't have certification doesn't mean they are not a good teacher but it is a sign they have met a minimum standard.

Find out if there are governing bodies for ballroom in your country and their certification system.

OB

i understand what u said and i agree ! but the problem is that here in Greece there are no Standards in American Style !!!
so how am i going to know if someone teaches me right ?
in International Style there is at least a standard in all the world !!!

"i understand what u said and i agree ! but the problem is that here in Greece there are no Standards in American Style !!!"

There are no universal standards in american style in the states either!

"in International Style there is at least a standard in all the world !!! "

But often not followed.

"so how am i going to know if someone teaches me right ?"

You probably won't, until they day when you learn something more and realize that what you were taught previously was wrong, or at least incomplete.

Dude,
I've never heard of anyone who is so narrow-minded like this before.
You're in America now, you have freedom of speach. But,... you don't have the freedom to show us how narrow-minded you are.
I know that some people dance like CRAP no matter how much and how long they have learned how to dance, you may be one of them. (don't you ever once think of that ?) Don't go blaming on other style.
Open your mind and look deep within.

Kato

Hi Peter_Kosmas,

I've watched clips of American Style Ballroom done by 'specialist' American Style dancers at all levels (even professionals) and I have to agree that I did'nt find their dancing appealing. I found it a bit too theatrical, showbizzy and lacking artistic integrity. There's also the technique gap between the American Style vs International but I think that this has more to do with the dance culture in which the American Style florishes vs International rather than it being anything inherent in the styles themselves. On the other hand I've really enjoyed watching some of the top International Style dancers incorporating open and shadow position moves in showdances or exhibitions. Besides the technical superiority, the way that some International style dancers interpret, incorporate and choreographically blend open moves in their dancing can be awesome. I think the reason for this is that International style dancers still express a profound togetherness, partnership and oneness even in open moves that I don't see in specialist American style dances.

Rha

Have you ever seen Ben and Shalene Ermis dance American smooth?

Wow, what anger!!! I think the biggest problem you have with dancing is that it sounds like you've never been taught how to properly lead a woman. For instance, I have all my training in American Smooth and American Rhythm. I can go to any International school and dance with any partner. I can also go to any bar with a dance floor and pick up a woman with no dance experience and lead her through any dance. It's all about your inability to lead, not the dance itself. You may want to find a different school to learn from. One that focuses on leading properly. You also may want to look into doing a little research before you speak.