You may recognize Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot in both American Smooth and International Standard and wonder why the dancing looks different. The clearest starting point is the way the partners use their hold—and the set of dances included in each style.
The dances at a glance
American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
International Standard: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep.
Quickstep is part of Standard, rather than the four-dance Smooth program. Shared dance names do not mean that the choreography and technical expectations are identical.
How the partnership looks
Standard is characterized by an established ballroom hold maintained through the dance. Smooth includes work in closed hold as well as opportunities to open the partnership, change positions and dance apart, subject to the level and event rules.
Both styles ask for musicality, balance and attentive partnering. A closed hold still allows expressive movement; open choreography still requires control and a clear relationship between the dancers.
What a beginner should explore
Ask your instructor to demonstrate a short, accessible example of each style. Notice what appeals to you: the feeling of moving together in hold, transitions between positions, a particular dance, or a performance you have enjoyed watching.
You do not need to settle on a competition category before your first lesson. Your teacher can introduce useful foundations and explain how your interests might develop into social dancing, a showcase or competitive training.
If you want to compete
Discuss your intended style, experience and event before choosing choreography. Organizers set their own divisions and syllabus requirements. Confirm the current rules for the specific event and level with your coach rather than assuming that every movement seen in a professional final is appropriate for a beginner entry.
Pro-Am gives you the option to dance with a professional partner. Our first competition planning guide explains the practical questions about preparation, time and budget.
Explore both styles at Imperial
Imperial’s private Ballroom lessons can help you compare Smooth and Standard and choose a direction that suits you. Meet Ruslan and Ekaterina Wilder, watch our performance videos, or tell us which style interests you.
Style references: USA Dance Spectator Guide and WDSF Standard, Latin and 10Dance overview. Updated September 29, 2026.