💃 Master the “freedom” of American Smooth with this concise guide to ballroom’s most expressive style. Discover how European traditions were remixed with a uniquely American spirit to create a dance defined by artistic liberation and theatrical flair. From its scandalous roots to its competitive crowning, this video provides a roadmap to the technique and history of the Smooth style.
What you’ll learn:
This Explainer Video maps the American Smooth journey—from “raw materials” to world-class competition.
• The Four Pillars – An overview of the foundational dances: the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz.
• Cultural Remixes – How the “scandalous” close-hold Waltz and “gritty” Argentinian Tango evolved into the long, gliding movements of the Boston Waltz.
• Vaudeville Roots – The story of the Foxtrot, a true American original born in showbiz and refined by icons Vernon and Irene Castle.
• Breaking the Rules – Understanding the key innovation of American Smooth: the freedom to break the closed hold and dance in open, side-by-side, or shadow positions.
• Technical Flow – Why passing footwork and theatrical choreography allow for more travel and personal expression than international styles.
• Professional Milestones – Tracing the style’s history from the first pro competition in 1971 to its 1984 debut as a standalone event.
💡 Ideal for: Dancers and instructors wanting to blend classic ballroom technique with modern creative freedom.
