The Smooth and Elegant Foxtrot
The Foxtrot has been a popular dance since 1913, when it was introduced by a Vaudeville named Harry Fox. During the summer of 1913, Harry and the “American Beauties” performed a dance to ragtime music in a New York theatre. The Foxtrot is a basic social dance, from which you can acquire a good foundation. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety. The Foxtrot posture is attractive in appearance and very helpful in all other dances. Learning how to Foxtrot builds confidence in your dancing, and it is a fun and relaxing dance style.
Characteristics
Foxtrot is a relaxed and smooth dance, great for building partnership and fluidity. It consists mainly of travelling steps in any direction, but follows a counter-clockwise line of dance. Learning how to Foxtrot is also a great training aid for building strong leading and following skills. Foxtrot music is written in 2/4 or 4/4 metre, and is counted using slow and quick steps.
Popular Foxtrot Songs
Night Lights – Nat King Cole Cheek to Cheek – Doris Day Bubbly – Colbie Caillat
Related Dances
Waltz
Waltz is the mother of present day dances. Foxtrot and Waltz are travelling dances with smooth and graceful movement.
Rumba
Rumba is the origin of Latin dancing. Learning the skills and partnership of Rumba is essential for good Cha Cha dancing.
Swing
Swing music often sounds similar to that of the Foxtrot, but with a more upbeat and exciting rhythm. These two dances are well paired at social dance events.