Hi Peter_Kosmas,
I've watched clips of American Style Ballroom done by 'specialist' American Style dancers at all levels (even professionals) and I have to agree that I did'nt find their dancing appealing. I found it a bit too theatrical, showbizzy and lacking artistic integrity. There's also the technique gap between the American Style vs International but I think that this has more to do with the dance culture in which the American Style florishes vs International rather than it being anything inherent in the styles themselves. On the other hand I've really enjoyed watching some of the top International Style dancers incorporating open and shadow position moves in showdances or exhibitions. Besides the technical superiority, the way that some International style dancers interpret, incorporate and choreographically blend open moves in their dancing can be awesome. I think the reason for this is that International style dancers still express a profound togetherness, partnership and oneness even in open moves that I don't see in specialist American style dances.
Rha