American Rhythm and American Smooth are the two types of Ballroom Dance that make up the American Style, similar to how Latin and Standard form the International Style. American Rhythm is similar to the Latin category, while American Smooth aligns with Standard. Both American styles are primarily danced in the U.S. and Canada and are currently growing on the international stage.

American Rhythm aligns with some of the more traditional Latin American social dances from which it shares its roots with International Latin. American Rhythm maintains a distinctive delayed straightening leg action, derived from the more social styles it originates from

While the body mechanics for both styles are alike, there are key differences which separate the styles. American Rhythm generally uses slower tempo dances and is non-progressive. Each style also has its own set of dance figures and styling, with International Latin and American Rhythm having distinct syllabi.