What's Different Between International Line Dancing and Line Dancing?
The terms "line dancing" and "international line dancing" are often used interchangeably, causing confusion. While all international line dancing is line dancing, not all line dancing is international line dancing. The key difference lies in the choreography's origin and style.
Let's break it down:
Line Dancing: This is a broad term encompassing any form of dance where individuals perform a pre-arranged routine in lines or rows, usually facing the same direction. It's a social dance, often done to country music, but the music genre can vary widely. Line dancing's origins are diverse, tracing back to various folk dances and social dance forms across cultures.
International Line Dancing: This specifically refers to line dances choreographed to a variety of musical genres beyond traditional country music. While it still maintains the fundamental structure of line dancing – individuals dancing in lines to a set routine – international line dancing significantly expands the musical landscape. It incorporates music from around the globe, including pop, rock, Latin, and even Celtic music. This broader musical range also frequently leads to a broader range of dance styles influencing the choreography.
What are the key differences in a nutshell?
- Music: Traditional line dancing predominantly uses country music. International line dancing embraces a much wider spectrum of musical genres.
- Choreography: While both involve pre-arranged steps, international line dancing often incorporates elements from various dance styles, leading to a more diverse range of movements and complexities.
- Community: Both have dedicated communities, but the international line dance community might be more diverse geographically and reflect the global spread of its music and dance influences.
Frequently Asked Questions (Based on common online searches):
Is International Line Dancing harder than Line Dancing?
Not necessarily. The difficulty level varies greatly within both styles. Some traditional country line dances can be incredibly complex, while some international line dances are designed for beginners. The challenge depends more on the specific choreography than the overall category.
What are some examples of International Line Dancing music?
International line dances use a vast array of music. You might find routines to pop hits from any era, Latin rhythms (salsa, merengue), Celtic jigs, or even film soundtracks. The possibilities are almost limitless!
Where can I learn International Line Dancing?
Many dance studios, community centers, and even some gyms offer international line dancing classes. Searching online for "international line dancing classes near me" will yield local options. You can also find instructional videos on platforms like YouTube.
Is there a difference in the steps between the two styles?
The basic steps used in both styles often overlap. However, international line dancing might incorporate more intricate footwork, arm movements, or stylistic elements inspired by other dance forms, resulting in a more diverse range of steps than what's typically found in traditional country line dancing.
In essence, think of "international line dancing" as a subset of the larger category of "line dancing." It's a specialized branch that emphasizes global music and dance styles within the overall framework of line dance routines.
