Danced most commonly to Jazz standards and Big Band music, the Foxtrot is a great dance for beginners. Its moderate pace allows for easy conversation and a great social dance for weddings and cruises. Notable artists include Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Bublé.
The Fox Trot provides a good foundation for all dances and was often called the “get-acquainted” or “first impression” dance.
History:
In 1913, Harry Fox a vaudeville comedian, introduced a trot to a ragtime song in the 1913 Ziegfeld Follies that pushed other trots into the background. It became America’s most popular dance and remains so to this day as the standard of social dances.
Music:
Fox Trot music is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The first and third beats are accented in 4/4 time. The range of Fox Trot tempos makes it possible to consider Foxtrot as though it were three dances: Slow Fox Trot; Medium Fox Trot; and Fast Fox Trot, also called Society Tempo. Fox Trot has two major teaching rhythms: Magic Rhythm–Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick (SSQQ) and Box Rhythm–Slow, Quick, Quick (SQQ).
Characteristics:
The basic components of Fox Trot are walking steps and side steps. Crowded dance floors or night club conditions require that all three tempos be expressed with short steps. In larger ballrooms the slow Fox Trot is characterized by longer smooth, gliding steps, demanding ease of movement and control in order to give this dance an unhurried appearance.