In 1990 out of 381 couples in the British Amateur Ballroom Championships at Blackpool there were 8 from the USA.
Were there any at all in the early 50's. For those who are still wondering how the International syle came about, each of those dances, although some originated from other countries it was British teachers who refined and set the standards that we have today. Lets not forget that.

I am taking international style at a great studio in the Seattle area, so anyone interested should check out Impulse Ballroom

terence very cool post. Didn't know most of that. I was just passing on what I was told. Like I said, I didn't know if it was true, but a fun story!

Alright, So to be clear...just so I understand. The big difference between the International and American style (Other than who made them famous in their part of the world) is the speed???
Oh and Terence2, am I to understand that there are different styles for different competing levels??
Just tryin' to get all the info straight in my head.
Thank you all for helping me out!!

"The big difference between the International and American style (Other than who made them famous in their part of the world) is the speed???"

No.

The Big Difference is the people doing them. They are distinct subcultures with different emphasis. Due to geographic factors many dancers only get real exposure to one or the other, but for those who have been exposed to both, the one they end up with is usually the one that fits either their personality better, or is a more practical career path from their current situation.

A good example of this is that while it's quite rare for a prefessional dancer to compete both at the same time, many who have sufficient general skill to do it do dance both with their pro/am students, because then it's business rather than personal preference.

Comps...

Yes, there are divisions in ALL dance genres that are available in many large events.

Normally divided into 2 categ... American Style and Intern, Style .
In the states, they are even subdivided into " ability " levels within each dance .
The " english " system is comparable but as of yet, no Amer. style dances ( it is being taught here ) .
Now to Speed... it is a determining factor in this sense.. the " speeds " of dances in Amer. style , may sometimes ( at Bronze level ) be slightly faster.. F/Trot is a good e.g... the Silver level dances ( smooth ) follow closely those of the Intern. style .

The Intern latin and Amer. style Rhythm, is where we have a wider range of speeds .
Lastly, " speed " does in many cases determine the dance.. very fast waltz ( 54-58 bars p.m/ ) would be V.W. and fast Rumbas ( a generic term ) may become Guarachas and or mambo / Salsa.

The " styles " of dance have been impacted by their usage... social and or comp. Both co exist due to need and demand .

One could say, that " speed " became the Mother of invention for Dance evolution and style .
I have an article due to be published on the evolution of Mambo / Salsa . It may be on Salsa Forums shortly, and a couple of other sites.