The Foxtrot

Dance Summary
Type: American Smooth
Character: Gliding steps, strolling motion
Music: Big band, easy listening, jazz (4/4)
In Short: The Foxtrot comes out of the big band era and serves as a good introduction to the formal techniques of smooth ballroom dancing

Beginner's Rating
Simple:
Instructional:
Creative:
Slow-Paced:
Practical:
Overall Score:

Notes on Frame

Maintain a large elongated oval frame, keeping elbows up and level from one side to the next. Keep shoulders slightly forward of the torso, and maintain a solid but not rigid connection with your partner. The man's left hand should be at approximately the lady's eye level and his right centered on her shoulder blade. The lady's left hand should oppose the man's right shoulder. The lady should stand slightly the man's right, creating four distinct "lanes" for the feet to pass and allowing her to see over his right shoulder. Do not arch your back or look at your feet when dancing.


Notes on Footwork

Step on the heel of the foot on a forward step, rolling over the toe and releasing the heel to the next step. Reach onto the toe on a backward step, rolling onto the heel and releasing the toe into the next step. Partners should direct their right feet in between their partner's feet, producing an offset which will allow for progressive motion. Keep feet close to the floor at all times with the exception of patterns that require otherwise.


Notes on Movement

Move in a counterclockwise fashion around the ballroom, staying to the outer ring of the room. When traversing the ballroom, follow the line of dance as much as possible. Never travel against the line of dance or collisions will occur. Anticipate other couples on the floor and plan the dance accordingly.

Practice Points

If starting out with the Foxtrot as your first dance, it's best to begin just by marching out the timing before worrying about the pattern. Just step out the basic until the change of weight becomes natural, and only then insert the pattern. Keeping a good frame, try to make it around the room with your partner several times, carefully turning the dance when a corner comes up. Be sure to maintain the appropriate angle in your basic and follow a straight line of dance from corner to corner.

Recommendations

Foxtrot is typically a safe bet for beginners. Having a basic of only four steps, it helps to introduce new dancers to quick and slow timing without relying on a complex basic pattern. Because the Foxtrot basic also travels around the whole room, it serves as a good confidence builder for those who have historically had bad experiences with dance. Jazz and easy listening singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tend to produces a lot of music suitable for this dance, so for those who like that sort of music and are looking for an easy kick-start to their dancing, Foxtrot may just be a good choice.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings
Ballroom Dances
Class Reunions
Corporate Events
Cruises
Dance Clubs
Fitness Centers
College Formals
In-home Parties
Marriage Programs
Marriage Retreats
Outdoor Dances
Regional Vacations
Social Dances
School Proms
School Talent Shows
Wedding Receptions
Youth Events