It is often difficult to differentiate between American Rhythm dance classes, often abbreviated “Rhythm”, and International Latin. This difficulty originates, in part, in its inherent difference in technique. While Latin stresses the importance of straightening the knee as soon as possible, long before weight is placed on the foot, Rhythm utilizes the “pressed walk” technique, meaning weight is placed on the ball of the foot with a bent knee, the knee straightening only as the heel comes in contact with the ground.
Many social dancers like to learn Rhythm and Latin side by side. If you like to dance Salsa and Bachata, knowing Mambo and American Rumba can be very useful. Rhythm is a fun style which, when combined with Latin, can give dancers of all levels a large vocabulary of steps from which to choose. Of the five, Rhythm is the most playful style.
American Rhythm dance classes cover the US competitive Latin syllabus and one of the most social, accessible ways to enter Latin dance. The syllabus covers five dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo. Compared to International Latin, American Rhythm uses a more grounded, bent-knee technique, and its Rumba is faster and more social than International Rumba’s slower, sensual style.
East Coast Swing is the gateway dance for most Americans into swing dancing — six-count, upbeat, forgiving and fun. Bolero is a slow, romantic dance often likened to a Latin Waltz. Mambo is a fast, joyful dance that blends Latin rhythm with playful styling. American Rhythm dance classes are the style we teach most often in our weekly group classes because beginners find it the easiest to absorb.
