Ballroom Foxtrot Dance Steps Review

Foxtrot dance steps are among the most loved and well-liked ballroom dances carried out today. To find out why the dance continues to be popular, how it started and more about foxtrot, read through this review.

Foxtrot dance steps can be attributed to a longtime vaudeville star known as Henry Fox who by 1914 was featuring in the New York vaudeville scene. Fox, who was dancing for the New York Theater later, got married to Yansci Dolly, one of the members of the Dolly sisters group. These two were often seen doing sprightly dances in between normal shows at the New York Theater. The outcome pleased the crowd and in turn the audience started referring to the fox’s dance as the “Fox Trot”. In the same year, foxtrot’s footsteps were standardized by the Dancing American Society of Professors. Oscar Duryea, a reputable choreographer during that time is responsible for introducing the Foxtrot dance to the public. The foxtrot was introduced by Duryea’s dance team as a smooth rolling glide that called for moving across the room in large steps.

Why was the dance named Foxtrot? The original dance by Harry fox consisted mainly of a sequence of trotting steps. When Durynea was preparing for his premiere, he regarded the trotting steps mainly for the ladies, and transformed it to a smooth glide. Thus, the dance was regarded by this name, though the trot name was not maintained.

Foxtrot dance has a regular slow-slow-quick-quick step, which is normally performed in a square step and circular motion. Foxtrot dance steps are regular, since Foxtrot’s music is adhered to 4/4 time while its quality is flowing and perky. The foxtrot’s steps can be easily kept in a limited area due to its mix of fast and slow steps. However, this is not to say that the dance moves cannot cover a larger area. Those who have seen a Foxtrot dance competition clearly know that dance couples can use the entire room if the dancing becomes more intense. Foxtrot dancers have noted the high number of dance variations that are executed. For others, foxtrot is the hardest among the ballroom dances. It is usual for dance teams to focus solely on Foxtrot and make this dance their specialty.

There are several versions of Foxtrot that are in existence. Foxtrots that are fast usually turn to Jitterbug and Swing. ‘One Step’, which is fast Foxtrot, is today’s Quickstep and a fast version to the original set of waltz music. Other names used in place of Foxtrot are the Roseland Foxtrot and the Peabody. Foxtrot is regarded as an extremely social dance, due to its many variations and popularity.

Those interested in learning Foxtrot dance steps ought to consider checking local dance studios or inquire from close colleges for a foxtrot dance teacher. This dance can also be offered in certain ballroom dance classes. Although one can order Foxtrot dance steps through the mail, for basic positioning and balancing, it is advisable to use the services of an instructor.