Learn to Dance: Fox Trot
The sophisticated Fox Trot
History of Fox Trot - The year was 1910 and the Ragtime era was just beginning. It was a festive time for everyone and single time dances were in vogue. Dances like the One Step, Cake Walk and other swift paced dances were "cutting the rug".
Then in 1913, along came a vaudeville performer who introduced a unique movement in his dancing as he glided across the stage. His name was Harry Fox and the movement is called the "slow" step. This fascinating rhythm, a step utilizing 2 beats of music, soon emerged onto the dance scene and began the evolution of a new dance. This new dance was dubbed the "Fox Trot" and it certainly has stood the test of time as one of America's most enduring social dances.
During the 30's and 40's, big bands were in full "swing" and melodious arrangements had a new appeal. Musical extravaganzas arrived on the "silver screen" and performers like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers graced the dance floor. Where partners once held each other at arm's length, now they danced closer together than they had before. Today, the Fox Trot has developed into a very elegant and sophisticated dance whose charm and personality personify the legends of dance.
Music and Tempo - The Fox Trot music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo at 29-32 measures per minute. Two rhythms are often used: Basic rhythm - S,S,Q,Q; and, Box rhythm S,Q,Q - S,Q,Q.
Style - The Fox Trot is a progressive and turning dance moving along the Line of Dance. Fox Trot movement is characterized by the use of Sway, Rise and Fall, accompanied by leg and body swing. The smooth style and progressive figures of the Fox Trot are designed for larger dance floors.
| Step | Rhythm & Beats |
Foot Movement |
Footwork | Amt of Turn |
Dance Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S-1,2 | LF fwd | H | Optional- Slightly to right |
Closed Dance Position throughout |
| 2 | S-3,4 | RF fwd | HT | ||
| 3 | Q-5 | LF side | T | ||
| 4 | Q-6 | RF close | TH | ||
| Definitions - Click here | |||||
| Step | Rhythm & Beats |
Foot Movement |
Footwork | Amt of Turn |
Dance Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S-1,2 | RF bk | TH | Optional- Slightly to right |
Closed Dance Position throughout |
| 2 | S-3,4 | LF bk | THT | ||
| 3 | Q-5 | RF side | T | ||
| 4 | Q-6 | LF close | TH | ||
| Definitions - Click here | |||||
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