Belle,
I wouldn't know where we might find the answer to your question written down as "the black letter of ballroom law," but I think there would be corroborating evidence from "case studies" to support your thoughts. I recently had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with a great coach in Kansas City, and he touched on the notion that the movements in the smooth dances, as written out in a syllabus and judged by adjudicators, such as himself, are based upon the cumulative knowledge that there is only so much that can and must be done given the musical timing and stresses of the various genres.
This isn't definitive, but it supports your assertion.

I know very little about the American Style which I beleive is called Smooth.My question is. In a Foxtrot. Is any effort made to dance in phrase with the music, which is eight bar phrased. I've noticed a couple of groups taking twelve bars of music. Unless another four bars are added, are we dancing to the music as it is written as we would in the Internation Style Foxtrot .Or is it of no concern

Much like any dance , it depends upon whom is doing it.. Of course they phrase .

Theres much more poetic license at the prof.level .

In American style dancing, great attention is paid to phrasing in Tango and Bolero, but not so much in other styles. Of course, experienced dancers respond to the music. Also, the instructor who taught me International style paid no particular attention to phrasing; the basic "unit" was two beats.

I dont know where you get that impression from, but.. having trained hundreds of teachers in Amer. style, I would have been remiss NOT to have explained/taught phrasing.

There is, in smaller towns, frequently a lack of training , which might constitute a misguided understanding of basic concepts, but, I can assure you, having coached/ examined , in numerous towns/cities, rhythm/timing and phrasing ,are on the agender for ALL dances .

Does this belong here. Having trouble performing a Spiral. Think of it this way. It is only an Overturned Spot Turn where we will turn one full turn. With just a slight modification of the feet. There you have it..

"Does this belong here. Having trouble performing a Spiral."

Are you? I'm not suprised: a Spiral action shares nothing useful with a Spot Turn.

What is a Spot Turn. Step onto your RF or your LF, depending which one you are doing and turn and a half a turn. A Spiral just keep turning 3/4, if you wish or a full turn. The timing will be different of course, and your left or right foot will be kept in front. This is the one we will step off on on the next move.
If you disagree then just write and explain the none simularities between a Spiral and a Spot Turn in the International Style.

I am in a situation where i am teaching people who do not speak, except the basics, English and i speak not a word of theirs. I found it very helpfull to show and say, its one of those like what we learnt last week. Just look at this. It is amazing how many different times we use a Cross Body Lead. Steps 4 and 5 of a Hockey Stick Turn is one for instance. If we bring this into another style of dancing it might be a Spot Turn or a Spiral if we change the timings.

Unbelievable! Thank you. I rarely read of such skill and art as of the excelled dancers. Thanks for writing and letting readers read a bit of your recipe. Bye!