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.

Click Here to Learn the Advanced Foxtrot Dance Steps.

The slow Foxtrot dance is smooth dance in which while dancing, the participants travel around the dance line. The dance features walking movements with long strides and a gentle rising and falling motion. This dance initially begun with quick and slow steps and thereafter progressed to include chasses and twinkles.

The slow foxtrot dance is favored by many ballroom dancing enthusiasts and conjures up the images of the suave dancing of Ginger and Fred. As a result of its smooth gliding nature, many refer to the dance as the Rolls Royce of other standard dances. Once you get to know this dance, you get the feeling of a great dancer. The faster foxtrot version became the Quickstep dance version.

Characteristics of the Foxtrot
The slow foxtrot dance is a lovely romantic dance that consists of relatively easy walking and side steps. The foxtrot blends slow steps using two music beats and fast steps using a single music beat. The motion of the feet is usually slow, fast, fast or slow, slow fast, fast. The dance should have very smooth movement without any jerking movement. Timing plays a great role when doing the foxtrot dance. Since this dance is more complicated than other dancing styles, it is advised that the Quickstep and Waltz be mastered first before attempting to perform the slow foxtrot dance.

The History of Foxtrot
The slow Foxtrot dance started in America in early 1920’s. It was named after the inventor of the dance, Harry Fox and it is ordinarily associated with gentle dancing styles such as that of Ginger Rodgers and Fred Alistair. This dance is currently among the most favored ballroom dances of all time.

Foxtrot Movements
The foxtrot has similar characteristics to waltzing. The two have very smooth movements that travel on the length of dance line and counterclockwise all round the floor. The rising and falling motion arises from the extended walking motion done by the participants. Fast steps are blended with slow steps thus offering the dancers greater agility when moving and great dancing pleasure.

Unique Foxtrot Steps
A unique feature of the slow foxtrot dance involves the dancers taking long steps on the shorter counts and smaller steps on the quicker counts. So as to sustain the ‘trot’, the dancer needs to shorten the steps with the increase of music tempo.  Some steps make striking zigzag outlines. There are some steps that are exclusive to this dance including the feather and weave step.

Weave: involves six fast steps in one row. This is done using the toes. (Fast steps are usually done using the toes while slow steps done on the heels)

Feather step: when doing this step, the lead steps out of the follow. Its name came from the execution of the move which resembles ‘oar feathering’ during rowing.

Foxtrot Music and Rhythm
This dance is usually accompanied by swing style band music; however other music types could be also used.  In the slow foxtrot dance, the 1st and 3rd beats tend to be accented more than the 2nd and 4th beats. The slow Foxtrot dance is usually danced to music with 4/4 time and a tempo of approximately 120-136 beats in a minute.

Learning how to dance foxtrot easily…

•   SLOW, SLOW, QUICK QUICK….Ahhhh, talk about dancing school ….. gawky boys dressed in tuxes, Girls wearing white gloves, awkward bows, berry punch wearing dainty glasses and shy curtsies were characteristic when we wanted to learn how to dance Foxtrot, we willingly attempted all of them. But the simple SLOW, SLOW, QUICK QUICK Foxtrot pattern lingered in a combined memory for a long time after the rest faded

•   The slow steps uses two beats while quick steps use a single music beat. The music is normally played on a 4/4 timing.

•   If you yearn to learn how to dance Foxtrot (rather than be conscripted to liking many of us in the dance school!!), use these easy and quick steps.

Step 1: Foxtrot Basics for the Female Partner
(As is the case in the line dance, the right foot always starts the sequence)

1.Facing your partner you should offset somewhat towards his left leg. Your right side of the body should be parallel with the middle part of his body. Your left hand should rest lightly on your partner’s right shoulder; keep the right hand on the level of the eye with your fingers clasped on his palms lightly together.

2.Using your right foot, step backward with the left foot sliding on the floor to meet the right foot (SLOW)

3.Using the left foot ,make a direct step backward ,with the right foot sliding to meet the left foot(SLOW)

4.Using the right foot, make a large right step to the back, with the left foot sliding on the floor to meet the right foot.

5.With both feet together, step on the left foot (QUICK) .This is a complete SLOW-SLOW-QUICK-QUICK sequence.

6.The sequence should be repeated to the very end of the music.

Step 2: Foxtrot for the Male Partner
(As it is in the line dance, the sequence always starts with the left foot.)

1.Facing your partner, offset somewhat towards the left. Your body’s right side should be in line with the middle part of your partner’s body. Your right hand should rest lightly on the blade of her shoulder; keep your left hand at the same level with your partner’s eyes, clasp your fingers lightly to her fingers, with both of your palms together.

2.Using your left foot make a direct feet forward, slide your right foot on the floor to meet the left foot. (SLOW)

3.Using the right foot make a direct step forward, sliding the left food to meet the right foot. (SLOW)

4.Using the left foot, make a wide step to the left ,the right foot sliding on the floor  to meet the left foot.

5.With both feet together step on the left foot (QUICK)

6.The sequence should be repeated to the very end of the music.

The delight that comes from dancing does not lie primarily in the steps taken but also in the thrill that comes with rhythmic moving and in synchronization with the other partner, whether it’s a romantic possibility or a dance partner. So when you want to learn how to dance Foxtrot, just relax, prepare and get going SLOW, SLOW, QUICK-QUICK!.You have it! It is the Foxtrot!

Compared to other ballroom dances such as salsa or tango, foxtrot dance steps are not extremely popular for those starting to learn such dances. One reason for this lack of popularity is the difficulty of the dance rhythm, which in most cases involves slow-slow-quick-quick. Furthermore, in other versions the moves are slow-quick-quick and this makes them difficult to follow. In reality, once the foxtrot’s movements and rhythm have been internalized, there is hardly any similarity between the advanced and the basic movements and steps that are outlined below.

Novice dancers can comfort themselves by knowing that everyone who now knows foxtrot dance steps, simply begun by whispering the rhythms- slow… slow…quick-quick.

Below are the basic foxtrot dance steps footwork:-

The Lead’s (Man) Foxtrot Dance Steps and Footwork:

1. Begin the dance in a closed dancing frame with the left hand holding the partner’s right hand.  The leader should place their right hand beneath the follower’s left arm. At the same time the right hand should gently press the partner’s left shoulder blade.

2. Using the left foot, step forward letting the foot’s sole slide parallel to the floor while stepping heel-toe to make the first “slow” step. As you take the step, your posture should sensationally rise.

3. Make the second “slow” movement. Do this by stepping forward using the right foot, letting it slowly rise and smoothly passing it over the left foot.

4. For the first “quick” beat, make the left foot go forward until it nears the right foot, and then sidestep it to the left without it touching the floor.

5. On the second “quick” beat, lift the right foot and position it close to the left foot, transferring weight to it, preparing for starting the step again.

The Follower’s (Lady) foxtrot dance steps and Footwork

1. For the follower’s or lady’s dance frame, her right hand rests on the lead’s right hand, while the left hand is lifted up and gently resting on the right shoulder of the lead.

2. As the lead moves forward using their left foot, use your right foot and step back ensuring the sole of the foot slides parallel to the floor and make a step heel-toe. Any good lead will use their hands to give you pressure, signifying rising and falling.

3. For the second “slow” beat of the basic foxtrot dance steps, use the left foot and step back passing the right foot, doing so in a slow and smooth motion.

4. For the next step, lift the right foot and make it level with the left, slightly stepping to the right (carefully using the follower’s stride to know how far to step).

5. Close the step by moving the left foot to lie parallel to the right, letting it hold the weight, until the leader signals the start of the next sequence of the foxtrot dance steps.

Having mastered the basic foxtrot dance steps, there are endless varieties of beautifully intricate foxtrot dance steps. Although it is among the complicated social dances available, people who patiently explore the foxtrot dance steps find it enjoyable and rewarding hobby for dancers of all ages.

The foxtrot dance history has its roots from the 1914 summer at Vaudeville where it’s origin, thanks to Harry Fox. Born in 1882 in California, Pomona, Fox’s childhood name was Arthur Carringford. As he grew older, Harry adopted ‘Fox’, which was his grandfather’s name foe a stage name.

Fox then started becoming his ‘own’ provider at a tender age of fifteen years in the foxtrot dance history. He then decided to become a circus member for a short tour. Additionally, Fox was a professional baseball player for some time before venturing to music. His successful career in music is due to a music publisher who apparently got pleasure from his voice and decided to employ Fox so that he can be performing in San Francisco at vaudeville theatres. Immediately in 1904, Harry featured in a comedy in one Belvedere theatre labeled “Mr. Frisky of Frisco.” As soon as the 1906 fire and earthquake in Francisco ended, Harry moved to the East and eventually made his last stop in Ney York.

In the early periods of 1914, there was a big change in the history of foxtrot dance. Harry started showing up in most of the shows in New York. In April, Fox came together with Yansci Dolly, who belonged to the prominent Dolly Sisters in the course of Hammerstein’s. At that time, the New York theatre, which is the largest globally, was converted to a movie house. As a further addition, the management team of the theatre came to a decision of incorporating the acts of vaudeville in the middle parts of the shows. The team then picked on Harry and his ‘American Beauties’ associates to come up with a dancing routine. An article published in Variety Magazine claimed, “Harry Fox will appear for a month or longer at a large salary with billing that will occupy the front of the theatre in electrics”.

The Foxtrot dance history came from the Jardin de Danse on the New York Theatre roof. As a constituent of his downstairs acts, Fox performed trotting steps to the ragtime kind of music and his audience labeled his moves ‘Fox’s Trot’.

Just as the Venon Castles gained popularity, talented exhibition performers, full of charm and appeal also gained equal fame. That way, there was little doubt that the dance move named after Fox was one of the exciting and original as compared to any other kind of dance ever performed.

In the history of Foxtrot dance, due to the popularity levels of the dance that ballroom dancing took pleasure in, it was important  to develop a dance aspect that has the capabilities of expressing the 4/4 slow syncopated rhythms and could still be ‘on the spot’. However, this was not a replacement of the ‘travelling’ fox trot although the ‘on the spot’ dance never offered enjoyment options for the music in environments that were accommodative and enjoyable for large crowds. The environments also incorporated numerous band singers, producing individual and outstanding singers. Apart from that, the musicians put into practice the beat and sound assortment from the United States of America.

The foxtrot is an American dance comprised of short and long steps with the occasional glides and slides. It’s a basic dance from which you can acquire a good foundation to learn other ballroom dance forms. It is one of the most beautiful and most difficult modern ballroom rhythms. The foxtrot incorporates both quick and slow movements in to the rhythm of the dance and this quality places it apart from other dance forms. In order to learn the dance, you need to take a foxtrot dance lesson.

How it is performed?

Usually the dance is performed to slow music and is comprised of soft and fluid linear movements. Although the dance is a bit sophisticated, it looks superbly elegant when performed. It consists of under-arm turns where each partner can detach from the other and dance freely. The dance is immensely creative and joyful when it comes to improvisation with the tempo of the music. It is a very smooth dance and reacts very badly to any kind of jerkiness.

A basis for other dance forms:
The foxtrot is a very important dance and it provides the foundation for learning other ballroom dances, as it contains much of the elements that are found in other dance forms. Many amateur ballroom dancers aspire to a foxtrot dance lesson. The dance may look very simple, but it has some difficult and swift moves that need real practice to perfect. If someone acquires the knowledge of the foxtrot, then he or she can always learn other dances including the salsa, samba, cha-cha, jive, and so on. Although it is a bit sophisticated, it provides the perfect foundation for learning other dance forms.

Romantic dance:

One of the important reasons for the popularity of the foxtrot is that it is truly romantic and graceful. It is a popular dance at wedding receptions and even now many people will take a foxtrot dance lesson for their first wedding party. The slow music played during the performance makes the ambiance even more romantic.

The foxtrot has gained in popularity because it has long and flowing movements. This characteristic of the foxtrot makes it more graceful and elegant. It is usually performed in a big hall with simple evening wear. In order to feel the ecstasy of such a romantic dance form, you need to learn the foxtrot perfectly and strengthen your basic foundation. This will not only help you to enjoy its beauty, but it will also put you a step ahead when it comes to learning other ballroom dances. A foxtrot dance lesson can help you accomplish just that.