Step-by-Step Guide to Categories

If David Hamilton and Olga Foraponova take first place this fall at the World Professional Classic Showdance Championships in Bonn, Germany, they won’t be the only ones. That’s because world titles will go to the winners in a variety of categories; occasionally, a couple will claim multiple crowns.

The competitors don’t know what piece of music they’ll be dancing to until they hear the first note. Judges award points for precise leg and footwork, musical interpretation, choreographic creativity and unified and buoyant movement.

Here are the major divisions:

International Standard: The most widely recognized form of ballroom dance, it includes the waltz, tango, Viennese waltz (a faster version of its namesake), fox trot and quick step.

International Latin: Sexy and sizzling, with lots of hip action. Includes cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and jive.

American Smooth: Similar to International Standard, but couples may break contact, spinning separately, like Fred and Ginger did.

American Rhythm: Similar to International Latin, but couples may break contact. Cha cha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo.