The Quickstep

Dance Summary Type: International Standard Character: Quick traveling, skips, hops Music: Big band (4/4) In Short: Quickstep is an impressive exhibition dance for more advanced dancers, more practical in Europe
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.

History of the Quickstep

The Quickstep is a relatively recent combination of the Foxtrot and the Charleston. The Charleston traces its origin to the Port of Charleston sometime during the twentieth century. Characteristic of this early form of Swing was an energetic and almost frantic swinging of the arms and kicking of the legs to the fast-paced big band music of the era. Popularized by names such as George White and Josephine Baker, the dance received increasing exposure throughout North America and Europe, reaching its height of popularity during the 1930s.

When the Foxtrot (see History of the Foxtrot) was danced to the quickened pace of the Charleston, the dancers found that they could not keep up the pace, given the wide and open movements of the dance, whose present form demanded a slower tempo. Hence, the Foxtrot was Charlestonized. The essential form and timing of the Foxtrot was carried over while kicks, skips, and other Swing style patterns were added to suit Swing style music, creating a large sweeping dance, which progressed smoothly around the room with occasional intermissions of Charleston-like movements done in the standard closed position of ballroom. Modern quickstep has come to resemble a fast Waltz in many aspects, though it is stylistically still quite separate.

The Quickstep is done to 4/4 music on a three count, repeating after the syncopation. Quickstep is characterized by an energetic yet smooth traversal of the ballroom floor and a frequent use of chasses, locks, and kicks.

Practice Points

Begin by learning the Foxtrot and becoming familiar with its basic patterns to slower music. Once that timing and movement has become familiar, then begin with the Quickstep by walking through the basic very slowly, handling corners simply by overturning or underturning the basic. After having made it around the room a few times, attempt the Quickstep basic to a faster paced Foxtrot piece. Gradually increase the pitch until the standard speed of 50 beats per minute is obtained. When traveling the floor, be especially considerate of other dancers, so as not to cause collisions.

Recommendations

Given its origin in the Foxtrot, beginners who are intersted in pursing the Quickstep would do best to master its slower ancestor first. The Foxtrot will provide new dancers with the essential patterns that they will need before entering into the fast-paced world of Quickstep. Though several patterns in Quickstep are similar to Foxtrot, its styling comes largely from the Charleston, making a brief tour of swing a big plus as well. In the end though, Quickstep is a dance of its own and a noteworthy challenge for any aspiring dancer.

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