Round dancing began as folk dances from many countries which immigrants brought to the United States.  It continues to evolve and now embraces elements from both international and American styles of ballroom dance (where many of the rhythms also began as folk or social dances from various countries and which themselves continue to evolve and are becoming closely aligned).  It is non-competitive with emphasis on learning and enjoyment. Alternately it is called "choreographed ballroom dance" or "cued ballroom dance" since participants do the same routine simultaneously with a cuer announcing figures to do next so dances need not be memorized.

In round dancing, then, each rhythm may incorporate elements from both major styles of dancing, often with no distinction made between styles. Other rhythms are also embraced and new ones are introduced. Some dance routines contain elements from more than one rhythm or style. Also, phase designations for various figures are sometimes modified by Roundalab.

Note the two branches for both International and American styles; some rhythms occur in both styles.  American style can be traced to two alternative influences: that of Fred Astaire or Arthur Murray. In ballroom, a competitor winning in the ten International style rhythms is a “ten dance champion”; a competitor winning in the nine American style rhythms is a “nine dance champion.”

Linked files provide information about the particular rhythm such as: 

• Round dance figures listed by phase with sources for how to dance them
• The character and origins of the rhythm
• Comparisons of International and American style when appropriate
• How and why to perform various figures for efficiency or effectiveness
  
  
  
  NOTE: All rhythm pages are under construction. They include some links, and in time more links will be added.