The box step is the equivelent of the closed change step used in international style in the waltzes, but with "box rhythm," SQQ. (It is sometimes used in quickstep with box rtyhm.) Just as some people have wrenches, some have spanners.

I've used it in the Samba as well. It is a good linking step and can help to get a change of direction if a figure leads you against LOD.

The reason for the question is that my fiancee,who also is a dance teacher, told me that she thought dancers trained ONLY in Int. style would still know what a box step was and I disagreed since I am not aware of it in any INT style dance.

So I said "I'll post a question on the board"

So far she appears to be winning this conflict.

Actually, there are many Intern. style dancers who are not aware of the " Box " variation.. primarily due to its lack of usage over the yrs ( like many variations that come and go ) and.. the Box as you know it is not taught in most UK schools, even tho the Amer.style is know being introduced, its primarily thru the Silver standard.

And for you younger folks.. the Rumba we danced and taught in the 40s/50s was a Square form.( I still teach this style in my social classes )

OK. I give up. I am crashing and burning in defeat here.

Remember, johnpower, that on this site, you're not going to get too many who are "International Only" as you had hoped. Most on the site are well-versed or at least familiar with both styles. Depending on where we all live, one style certainly is utilized, danced and taught more than the other. For example, I agree with terence often on this site, because I know the styles he taught many years ago and I know his background. I would have to admit that the only real rumba I am comfortable in is the square form, because that is what I was taught. And I really like it.
Actually, the way I see this, you were right. More of those trained in American Smooth and Rhythm would know what the box step is, but the Int. trained dancers would certainly know what it is and be able to use it, teach it, etc. Interesting debate with your wife, but no real winner or loser in the final evaluation? Everyone who answered your first post is likely very polished in both styles, except maybe me -- I'm far more competent in American style, but familiar, "trying hard" on the Int.