International RUMBA vs American RUMBA - What is the difference?

[@DanceInsanity]

Hello Dancers! Which style is your favorite and tell us one reason why. 😊💃🕺

[@kamilasithra899]

I love International rumba! The legs are beautiful, especially the ladies.

[@RazahLP]

Int. -> more different music to Cha-Cha than the amer.

[@tytusbergstrom]

i let it slip that I prefer Int. Rumba, the legs are gorgeous, i agree!

[@tytusbergstrom]

that's true

[@DanceInsanity]

@Razah Is american style popular in Germany?

[@joanpeacock3850]

My vote for favorite to watch is the International Rumba, but my vote for dancing is American style. You guys are always fun to watch!

[@DanceInsanity]

Joan Peacock thanks!! Why do you like dancing American more?

[@tytusbergstrom]

interesting, American does feel good. thanks Joan!

[@pathoflight1156]

I think the hip action is easier for me in American, but you are right Joan, international is more fun to watch.

[@liamlogan8881]

Very good breakdown. Thanks. Now I wish LiWen can just count every song for me.

[@DanceInsanity]

Liam Logan haha. Thanks! Which style do you usually dance?

[@tytusbergstrom]

possible new video. maybe every dance instead of song, lol! or that would be a seriously long video

[@dtom8888]

I prefer International because f it more romatic feel and look for the slower music but I mix in ome of the American box for the more rapid music. Tought to keep things straight at times though.

[@tytusbergstrom]

cool idea mix in the box

[@DanceInsanity]

dtom8888 yes! International does have a more romantic feel. Thanks for sharing that. 👍🏼😊

[@shaunasammy4557]

Thank you for the explanation. I much prefer international style. Looks less complex and sexy.

[@DanceInsanity]

@Shauna very cool. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 What dances do you like to do?

[@shaunasammy4557]

@@DanceInsanity rumba is my fav and cha cha.

[@DanceInsanity]

@Shauna NICE! You have any fav songs?

[@dancinglo]

I started with North American for about 3 years, and then moved to international and competed for years. I found it is actually much easier to learn international patterns. The basic line in international allows easy transition to all patterns. Box step is more trouble to get out of, return to, or even alter the timing. But that is just my opinion. But really, I find for beginners, the trouble of NA style is the patterns are often unleadable. So it really does not matter with how many patterns do they have. International is just clever. about 25 patterns, when one learns say 15 of them, it is quite enough. It is technique that allows couple to create their own dancing. So focus on technique, not patterns. Simple patterns work. Watch Allan Tornsberg. Franco basic. And Dorin Marina for partnership. And I would even add more categories for comparison: grounding. or even musicality.

[@DanceInsanity]

@dancinglo Thank you for sharing! Good points there for other categories for comparison, and great suggestions for other dancers to check out - Allan Tornsberg, Franco and D&M, amongst many others. 😊 The best things are often simple. Are you still competing these days?

[@dukeofearl635]

Speaking of musicality...do you recommend different songs for AM vs Int.? I am new to this and trying to select some great top songs to Rumba to....including contemporary and country songs if possible. Thanks if you can help...

[@Udaya555]

Had this question and now I have the answer! Thank you .

[@DanceInsanity]

UK 101 right on! We read your mind. Any other questions, shoot them our way! 🙌🏼

[@charlessmith263]

More tips - in dancesport, if you must do American rumba only and not allowed to do International rumba style in a heat, be sure that you avoid the perception of doing the Opening Out to Fan move in International Rumba, which doesn't exist in American. This is when you do a regular cross body lead that seems to underturn to the point that the man and lady are in Counter Open Promenade position. If you must do a cross body lead underturned, you can end in tandem position for the man, or end in shadow hold, but don't end up in CPP Open at the end of the crossbody. Otherwise, the judges may perceive that you are doing an Opening Out to Fan in American rumba, which can cause you to be marked down. Hope this helps. Also - in American rumba only, be sure that you do not emphasize on the "2" unless necessary to do so absolutely and you will be fine.

[@janeta3509]

Glad to have come across this video. I danced International rumba for 5 yrs and now live in an area where Everyone does American. I'm a follower but now taking beginner lead American rumba to challenge myself. I find the Box step awkward to transition in and out of. The music, for me, is too fast to be sexy. When it's too fast it just looks like A funky cha cha.

[@keithadolph8584]

The dance of love in my opinion is better characterized when danced slowly, there for I would opt for international. Great video though, now can really understand the difference between the two styles.

[@DanceInsanity]

@Keith Woot Woot! Ditto that. Is American style danced often in NZ?

[@keithadolph8584]

@@DanceInsanity No, I have only seen it on KZbin .

[@hanting1638]

International all the way baby!

[@tytusbergstrom]

i must concur! lol!

[@SharronHaimour-ko6jl]

Mixing the two styles, may work for social dancers if the partner knows how to lead both styles. However, in Pro Am or Pro competition, one can"t " mix" the styles. Just to be clear.. Judges are looking for the distinct leg and hip action , not to mention timing for whichever style you are competing in.

[@billgenson8250]

enjoy both! as long as I can be dancing, I'm happy!

[@DanceInsanity]

@Bill Genson Great attitude. Love it!

[@tytusbergstrom]

awesome!

[@shaolin1derpalm]

International Rumba is definitely whitefied Son Cubano. The basic step looks exactly like the #2 basic step I learned in Havana (via a teacher from Santiago de Cuba). The American leg action reminds me of the weight shift that my (non ballrom) ex teacher teaches.

[@shaolin1derpalm]

Except NO hip action for man in traditional Son Cubano.

[@shaolin1derpalm]

I could definitely feel like dancing on 2 to the American song example. Very cuban sounding.

[@shaolin1derpalm]

And the box step in american is a 3rd basic step in Son.

[@DanceInsanity]

@shaolin1derpalm which styles are you doing?

[@shaolin1derpalm]

@@DanceInsanity lol tbh I came on here looking for a BR dance to think about because I dance salsa, a little Casino (the Cuban style), and I learned a bit of Son. But I look a bit rough around the edges and want a bit of elegance. Since international Rumba is so close to Son Cubano, I think I'm going to look up some classes for that. I already can dance that timing.

[@dancefan.oopsimeanalemana5472]

i think box step is a better basic step, but i like International style more

[@DanceInsanity]

Dance Fan. oops, I mean Alemana what's the reason you think the box step is better?

[@dancefan.oopsimeanalemana5472]

@@DanceInsanity its used for many things, i.e. square dancing, waltz, samba, foxtrot (maybe) and there for is good for peope to know lots of dances, but also the box can b visualized - anyway, just my opinion

[@DanceInsanity]

That's a very good reason! ;) maybe we should have given the point to American box step then. haha.

[@dancefan.oopsimeanalemana5472]

@@DanceInsanity well than American would win, so no, maybe each section needs more or less value

[@DanceInsanity]

@ Dance Fan. oops, I mean Alemana - sounds like you don't want American to win. haha.

[@chocolateearrings]

What types do you teach on your channel. Are all your dances American or International?

[@DanceInsanity]

@PHEB.e International style at this point. What styles do u dance?

[@chocolateearrings]

@@DanceInsanity Not Specific yet, I'm trying to use your channel to prepare for NewComers competition. I'm just making sure which categories. To verify your CHA CHA, JIVE, SAMBA & RUMBA are International Latin. Thanks😎

[@DanceInsanity]

Awesome!!! Good luck.. When's your competition?

[@voyance4elle]

You're so good at explaining and you're doing it so well

[@DanceInsanity]

Thanks!! 😊😊😊

[@davecassel5264]

Tytus, my friend Richard Lamberty has known you since you were about 15 and says you are a talented and fun dancer. I like your presentations.

[@yuliapolyakova7568]

Hi LiWen and Tytus! Great video, per usual:) I personally prefer International style. I am taught International style in my Latin training class, and American style in my Social ballroom class. I get so confused sometimes!

[@DanceInsanity]

Hey Yulia! Learning both at the same time is a lot to take in. But it's good training for ya. What do u like better about international? PS: What is it about the 2 styles that are confusing for ya?

[@tytusbergstrom]

I was lucky cause my mom and step dad were ballroom dancers, so I got fast answers about the differences. but I too learned them at the same time. let us know any questions to remove confusion? hugs, Tytus

[@yuliapolyakova7568]

@@DanceInsanity I like International style latin cuz I grew up in Russia and that's the only Latin style they teach there and so that's what I was exposed to to begin with. International style looks more sophisticated to me:) As for my confusion, I just find it hard to switch from International to American style. Let's say I have been practicing my International style rumba for class, but I also have to practice American style for another class;/

[@yuliapolyakova7568]

@@tytusbergstrom You clarified the steps difference for me today. Thank you! I forgot that we do the box step in American style and the double L in International. The different names for figures are also confusing hahaha. But I'm sure that will come to me. It's just a matter of time.

[@tytusbergstrom]

oh great! glad to hear that 😊!

[@phitu1215]

Thank you very much for your sharing! When dancing International Rumba with a Rumba music which the beat II (2nd beat) is soft, so would I like to put it in count step 1 (hold) of International Rumba on it, like the count of the American Rumba style Slow (I & II) Quick (III), Quick (IV). (I've written the beat ordinal number in Roman numerals to distinguish it from the step number) So the sequential order International Rumba step count in a Rumba music rhythm bar is: "4, 1 (hold), 2, 3". Can I do that?

[@MRJoos66]

I learned dancing in 1982 in Germany. ADTV Beginner Level was International Style with American timing. We did not dance the box. Later we learned the international timing but still dancing with american hip action. I am 52 years old and today I loved Salsa cuban style because I like the Parties ;.-)

[@DanceInsanity]

Hey Martin! Thanks for sharing that. How interesting... International style with American timing. I wonder if they still do that? Salsa parties rock. There's also a lot of going back to the afro-cuban roots these days. Are there a lot of salsa parties where you are?

[@MRJoos66]

@@DanceInsanity Oh Yes! I live in Germany near Stuttgart. There is a salsa party almost every day. Salsa New York style or Cuban style, Bachata sensual or Dominican style. Kizomba..... etc.

[@DanceInsanity]

Martin Joos wooo... Very hip! That's awesome. 😉 we're going over.

[@MRJoos66]

Follow the Link and you will find the Salsaparties in Stuttgart. This list is not complete an there are a lot of other Cities near Stuttgart with there own events. www.salsa-stuttgart.com/events/event.php?regAll=on

[@DanceInsanity]

NIIIIICCE!! That's a good resource. thanks for sharing that. ☺️ how often do you go?

[@Alexoprojects]

First of all I love and appreciate your channel and greetings from Mexico. Secondly I truly enjoyed this video and here is my perspective/story with this topic. I learned to dance in CA and learned a bit of both but due to the social dance focus of my studio I mainly focused on am. Style and now that I live and dance in Mexico I've had to focus on mainly on int. Style. I guess region might play a role in deciding where to start. But which ever one you start with LEARN BOTH!! Thank you guys! Super Fan from Mexico!!

[@tytusbergstrom]

Hi Oco Dance! awesome story, thanks for sharing. glad you see the power of learning both, and thanks for the support. BTW, do u comeback to CA very often? Tytus

[@Alexoprojects]

@@tytusbergstrom not very often but if you guys ever venture to MX. I'd love to get into a workshop or something

[@tytusbergstrom]

awesome, thanks! you'll be the first to know if we head down there

[@DanceInsanity]

Oco Dance thank you!!! 😊👍🏼 which part of Mexico?? Wondering also if ballroom dancing scene is pretty big there??

[@Alexoprojects]

@@DanceInsanity Hey Im from Jalisco, live near Guadalajara. The hot spot for ballroom is in México City everywhere else the scene is in its infancy here in the pacific coast Oaxaca has a small comp. Our federation is brand spanking new. We will actually host our national championship this coming 9th of December. Most dancers are just picking it up although there are a few quality couples. I have a couple of good comp. Students going home to Cali in August maybe I can send them your way. They are classically trained ballet dancers and I'm working with them on Latin and smooth.

[@Myidea4]

You two are amazing and generous. Thank you. I love the way you teach it has been a great help Thank you again.

[@DanceInsanity]

Thank you and so glad that you’re enjoying this! 😊Do u do more American or international styles?

[@xonx209]

Best discussion about american vs international style, especially about music.

[@DanceInsanity]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@marimblues]

Any thoughts on pronouncing the dance in Spanish? Roomba is how to pronounce it in Spanish.

[@lucie27041]

Thank you for this education, i like both

[@DanceInsanity]

Great 😊

[@Myidea4]

For some reason the reply link does not work. I am more used to American style, but love both.

[@Paula-yv4py]

Great tutorial. Thanks so much. Love from Thailand.⚘🥑💕

[@mahmuh1915]

I learned international style and i'll stick to it because american style is almost completely unknown here. Are there any technique books out there for american style rumba? But whatever we dance - it should somehow reflect the music ;-) Thanks for the comparison! I will listen carefully next time when i here a new rumba song!

[@DanceInsanity]

Mah Müh Excellent point - dancing definitely needs to be in unison with the music. 🎶 👍🏼 International style is for sure more popular around the world. Whereabouts are you? There are syllabus books for american rumba, but don't know of any for technique. If you find one, let us know. 😉

[@markandreessen3218]

@@DanceInsanity Hi LiWen and Tytus, I'm from Germany but have also seen some dancers from Switzerland, Netherlands and Poland. As far as i know, American style Rumba is very unpopular in all of these countries. That simply means that we are not able to dance to that type of music ;-)

[@DanceInsanity]

Malte Müller when you already have something so good- international style. There's no need for more. 😉 But now that they have started including American style for Blackpool competitions, I wonder if that'll up the popularity of that style in Europe. 🤔 do u dance for social/ competition/ teaching?

[@mahmuh1915]

@@DanceInsanity I'm teaching social dancing in classes for students at a university. That's great - i absolutely love it! That said, yes i have a (lowest possible ;-) ) degree for coaching from DTV but do currently not take part in competitions.

[@DanceInsanity]

@Mah Müh Awesome!! Way to go. The more people we can get to dance, the better! 🙌🏼 Do you teach Latin and Standard? University is a great place to get young adults dancing. Are there many places/ occasions to social dance over there?

[@galaxynbla066]

I prefer international since that is what I learned first lol. For mr, international is more romantic and elegant to watch. American is easier to learn.

[@DanceInsanity]

@aurora sun nice! American is easier to learn. 😊 What dances do u like the most?

[@zenaidaneduasa3831]

They are the same and I like both of the styles

[@tytusbergstrom]

cool!

[@НатальяПанина-р9б]

OK!!!

[@DanceInsanity]

Oh yeah! Thanks.

[@tytusbergstrom]

OK OK!

[@mysticveiltt]

Hi, love looking at your videos they are great, can you do more videos only on timing on the International and American rumba, looking forward 👌

[@DanceInsanity]

@mystickveiltt hello! good idea. Check out our blog here about timing - www.danceinsanity.com/tutorial/differences-american-style-rumba-international-style/

[@mysticveiltt]

@@DanceInsanity thank you

[@angelberrios3309]

Very helpful nice.

[@DanceInsanity]

Great! 😊

[@Udaya555]

International - Mood - Candle light romance American - Slow mo Horse Ride into Sunset.

[@DanceInsanity]

UK 101 sweet! Very apt descriptions. 🔥👍🏼

[@tytusbergstrom]

lol! perfect!

[@angiangelica9012]

Wow so interesting comparison , you are amazing guys! I understand now why they are so different and why it’s more known the international style in Europe than the American one. Cool to see your dancing both styles and explaining the moves. Thank you and tack så mycket in Swedish , the international style that I started to learn for two month ago. I am still a beginner but I learn from you a lot !!!! Keep going and for me more international Rumba style 😊💃💃💃! I am watching youuu 👀👀👀

[@DanceInsanity]

@Angi tack så mycket for your feedback! We like learning the swedish words! (even if we can't say them haha.) International is definitely the go-to in Europe, and we love it. Yes, Yes , Yes to more international rumba! 🤩🙌🏼 we'll have more Rumba for this Friday's video. See you then!

[@tytusbergstrom]

HI Angi! glad you like our latest video! thanks, yes to more International Rumba, yay!

[@davecassel5264]

My favorite is International style, because it is international and the original, genuine style of Latin dance. American style always seems a bit dumpy to me, although I am in the United States.

[@arcadiosincero]

American! Of course, American is the only style I know, so I might be a bit biased...

[@DanceInsanity]

Haha. @Arcadia biased is 👌🏼 😉

[@LineDancewithHelaine]

Can the difference between a rumba and a fox trot with them be explained by the count?

[@shaolin1derpalm]

The weight shit action in American style is the same as salsa, son, bachata. The step in international is close to Son

[@RazahLP]

Do any of you learn German? lol

[@tytusbergstrom]

i know one or two words, why?

[@RazahLP]

@@tytusbergstrom Was confused cause the video title and description are written in German... (not badly but also not very well)

[@DanceInsanity]

@Razah we had used google translate for the title in german. 😭🤪 Can you help us create a better translation?? 🙏🏼

[@RazahLP]

@@DanceInsanity The permission is denied...

[@DanceInsanity]

@Razah - I just updated the permissions! Thank you

[@lyleb3629]

viva La difference

[@georgeantacristo4382]

International has a 1/2 pt. edge overall... Sexiness!

[@humanyoda]

God, that's complicated! I'll stick to Bachata.

[@DanceInsanity]

Bachata is indeed much easier!

[@northstar5405]

Subscribed for your hard work.

[@DanceInsanity]

Aww thanks! Hope you enjoy our videos 😊