American Smooth Gold Waltz – Jim Maranto

Master Championship Artistry: Enter the Gold Tier of American Smooth Waltz

Ready to break free from the traditional closed frame and embrace the theatrical, expansive world of advanced American Smooth? American Smooth Gold Waltz with legendary champions Jim & Jenell Maranto is your ultimate technical blueprint. The Gold syllabus introduces the most advanced mechanics in the style: intricate shadow positioning, independent axis spinning, and dramatic, gravity-defying lines.

Spanning 77 minutes of professional studio video coaching, this masterclass organizes complex championship concepts into an easy-to-follow, highly progressive system. Jim & Jenell analyze every movement from both the leader’s and follower’s perspectives. You will learn how to maintain flawless body tracking, create massive spatial volume, and execute seamless open transitions without sacrificing the essential swing, rise, and fall mechanics of the Waltz.

Why Upgrade to the Gold Waltz Curriculum?

• Championship-Level Freedom: Learn how to safely break the closed ballroom hold to execute elite shadow work and solo spins while maintaining absolute partnership synchronization.

• Advanced Syncopation & Weight Control: Master complex, split-beat timing variations and high-speed pivot actions without breaking your posture or losing your balance.

• Dynamic Visual Power: Discover the technical secrets behind dramatic lines, including advanced rondés and contra checks, designed to command maximum floor attention from judges.

• Universal Device Compatibility: Keep this high-definition video archive ready on your phone, tablet, or laptop to instantly check alignments and refine technique directly on the practice floor.

Inside the Masterclass: The Gold Syllabus Directory

Phase 1: Shadow Frameworks & Sweeping Flight (Figures 1-5)

• Master the art of side-by-side tracking, fluid lane changes, and advanced leg actions.

  • 1. Open Left Whisk – Transitioning seamlessly from a closed hold into an expansive, open-relationship shape.

  • 2. Chassé to Shadow – Utilizing syncopated footwork to smoothly position the partner into shadow hold.

  • 3. Shadow Telespin – High-velocity, multi-axis rotation executed in a side-by-side silhouette.

  • 4. Shadow Curve & Back Lock – Combining progressive curving alignments with a crisp, backward locking syncopation.

  • 5. Double Leg Rondé – The ultimate exhibition of balance and core control, creating a dramatic, sweeping leg line.

  • Demonstration (Figures 1-5) – Real-time musical review of the first half of the syllabus.

Phase 2: High-Velocity Releases & Dynamic Lines (Figures 6-10)

• Challenge your stability with independent turns, rapid weight changes, and deep counter-balances.

  • 6. Flip & Spin – Managing rapid momentum changes during an open, high-speed release action.

  • 7. Syncopated Pivots – Accelerating rotational velocity across split-beats while keeping a perfectly quiet frame.

  • 8. Syncopated Open Natural Turn in Shadow Position – Advanced alignment shifts while maintaining mirroring partner tracking.

  • 9. Free Turn to Fallaway – Releasing the hand connection completely into a classic, open fallaway shape.

  • 10. Contra Check Combination – The pinnacle of smooth expression, blending deep, dramatic lunges with fluid exits.

  • Demonstration (Figures 6-10) – Comprehensive technical review of the advanced figures.

Phase 3: The Championship Showcase

• Dance Demonstration – Watch Jim & Jenell Maranto tie the entire Gold syllabus together into a seamless, high-performance routine executed with world-class musicality and poise.

Technical Pro-Tip from Jim Maranto

The Secret to Open Partnership Balance:

The greatest pitfall in Gold-level American Smooth is using your arms to pull or push your partner when exiting the closed frame. In patterns like the Shadow Telespin or Free Turn to Fallaway, you must rely entirely on your own independent balance and core tracking.

True smoothness is created from the ground up. You must compress your standing leg deeply into the floor to drive your linear momentum, allowing your core to rotate over a solid axis. By matching your partner’s speed and body sway rather than physically holding onto them, you create the illusion of effortless, unified flight. Drill the transition from the Shadow Telespin $\rightarrow$ Double Leg Rondé $\rightarrow$ Contra Check Combination to master this balance between extreme velocity and breathtaking, controlled stillness.