Gaps in level between styles, how do you see it?

[SwingWaltz]

Some of you may know that I have recently taken up latin style for the first time after having competed in standard and new vogue since 2008. While I'm level 3 in standard and level 4 in new vogue with 2 points to go till level 5, I have never done a single registered latin competition. To put it into North American level system, I'm almost championship or pre-championship level in new vogue and standard respectively, but will be entering in beginner/bronze latin.

Has anyone else done it before? How do you see the differences in levels and how do you treat it?

I guess it shouldn't matter so much since the different styles shouldn't really affect each other in terms of dancing. But what about other aspects.....I don't know exactly what yet, so I'm waiting to see what other people thinks.

[elisedance]

I did latin up to silver - even competed in pro-am.  But got so embarassed by my tape I quit for life

I found it very complimentary - you learn how to use your body in ways that are just not touched by standard (or smooth, which is closer to NV).  The actual reason I quit latin was that it was too hard on my body - my hips started to hurt.  [I'm 99% certain that was an age thing so don't let it put you off.] 

And whats really best is you get to go latin dancin' with your sweetie...

Cha-cha cha-cha-cha

[QPO]

I know several people who have  done the same as you. Where they were high in Latin and Standard and then took up New Vogue. Each style has its uniqueness and it can only help your overall dancing and knowledge of the different requirements, which will help your teaching 

[elisedance]

...just look out for stress injury.
BTW doing latin will allow you to enter 10 dance competitions - the 'iron man' event of dancesport

[ttd]

I have a huge experience difference in latin & rhythm vs. standard & smooth. I am doing gold/open standard, silver smooth (and I've done it for a long enough time that I am thinking about moving up to gold there, too, I might have to do it by next HOA competition), I've competed in silver rhythm and latin, but I am really closer to bronze with both of those. I haven't competed in rhythm or latin lately, I could still do them at silver, but I would not feel comfortable entering a 9-dance or 10-dance event.

[skipper]

I dance open level smooth - pro/am and have started latin. I am dancing silver latin - and usually placed in the silver championship final. Two different styles---no problem.

[elisedance]

I dance open level smooth - pro/am and have started latin. I am dancing silver latin - and usually placed in the silver championship final. Two different styles---no problem.

[Hi there Skip! ]

[SwingWaltz]

At the least, doing latin really warms the body up for standard.

Or vice versa...

[elisedance]

At the least, doing latin really warms the body up for standard.

Or vice versa...

It will be interesting to see which becomes dominant... I prefer standard because of the closeness, you can follow from so many body leads

[QPO]

At the least, doing latin really warms the body up for standard.

Or vice versa...

if my knee was better I would love to do latin.... it is much better than it was now that the knee cap is sitting the right place!

[elisedance]

At the least, doing latin really warms the body up for standard.

Or vice versa...

if my knee was better I would love to do latin.... it is much better than it was now that the knee cap is sitting the right place!

images of baseball cap forward or backwards - no Q's knee...

[QPO]

At the least, doing latin really warms the body up for standard.

Or vice versa...

if my knee was better I would love to do latin.... it is much better than it was now that the knee cap is sitting the right place!

images of baseball cap forward or backwards - no Q's knee...

it is amazing what some tape it the right places can do to improve your walking even wore normal shoes this week rather than runners.... trained tonight without the aid of a heavy duty strap and leg is holding up fine so far.