DIfference between American Style & International Style Rumba 

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More differences in American Rumba and International Rumba are the following... 1. International Rumba has the Hockey Stick and the Alemana, while American usually doesn't. 2. International Rumba does have the Opening Out To Fan, but if you want to do the same in American Rumba, just do a crossbody lead to end in L Side-By-Side, but be sure that you time this in non-Cuban timing (1-2, 3 4, 1-2 3 4). But be careful - in dancesport, you do that type of crossbody lead in an American Rumba heat, it would be misinterpreted as an Opening Out To Fan and the judges will mark you down, so use this move with caution. 3. International Rumba has the Closed and Open Hip Twists in their Basic Movement figures, while American doesn't. The Hip Twist is when the follower goes from open facing to nearly intimate close facing position and at the end, twists one's hip about 1/4 to the R before the follower does the next step, which is usually Opening Out To Fan. 4. Cuban timing is used in International Rumba, with the "2" as the strong beat (for example, 2 3 4-1, or 2 and 3, 4 and 1, etc.). Guapacha timing is also used in this style (for example....and 3 4-1....and 3 4-1, etc.)

Stepping on a bent knee isn't so defined anymore in American style. This was a key difference in the past, but these things shift. Currently, there isn't as much difference in the Cuban motion between American and International, and of course much of that is determined by stepping on a bent or straight knee. I remember practicing intensely on that bent knee when I first was first learning. Still, International style is much sharper and that is, for me at least, the primary difference.

can you use international Style technique in American Style dancing ?

the basic and timing is probably the easiest difference to tell newcomers

terrific - I finally understand. I changed teachers after many years doing American style, and he is European and only does International. It totally confused me why he keeps telling me my knees are bent... but I get it. The big question- can you mix the two styles within the same dance? There are times when the straight leg seems better and other times not!

Thank you for clarifying!

Very very good information

Well explained ! Thank you !

Good difference examples.

Is there a difference in timing? In international rumba you take the slow-step on count 4-1. In american style, is the slow on 1-2 or 4-1?