The Foxtrot

History

Harry Fox, a vaudeville star who trotted around the stage with various partners, chosen alternatively from a dancing group, is generally accepted as the initiator of the "fox trot". Mr. Fox was believed to be the first to use the "slow step", hence the birth of the Foxtrot.

This first free-style use of the "slow step" came into vogue around 1912. During this period of ragtime, beginning in 1910, a brand new phase of ballroom dancing was born. Partners danced closer together, ad-libbed to the music, and found this new ragtime music exciting and exhilarating. Prior to this time, the Polka, Waltz, and the one step called the "Peabody" were popular. In these dances, partners were held at arm length and a set pattern was observed.

By 1915, another change took place… a new and melodious type of music was being written. Tunes like "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" and "Ida" were the smash hits of the day. The public was quick to appreciate the change to a smoother, more rhythmic style of music, and their dancing begin to absorb the better attributes of the older dances. From 1917 up to the present time, the accent has been on smoother dancing and individual expression.

Style

The Foxtrot is a progressive and turning dance, moving along the "Line of Dance" (LOD). The figures that are danced in social dancing through the upper levels of dancing are taken with body flight and are designed for the larger ballroom floor. However, these same figures are also suited to the average nightclub floor when danced more compactly. "Sway" and "rise and fall" highlight the smooth style of the Foxtrot. There is a slight rise and fall used in the dancing of the Foxtrot.

Music and Tempo

The Foxtrot music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of 34 to 38 measures per minute for examination and competitions.

Timing

There are two basic timings used in the Foxtrot:

· Slow, quick quick slow, quick quick (SQQSQQ) -- which is box timing
· Slow slow, quick quick (SSQQ)-- which is the basic timing step used by most in general Foxtrot dancing

The slow will take up two beats of music, while the quick will take up one beat of music. Box timing (SQQSQQ) will take two measures of music or eight whole beats of music to complete the box. A basic step (SSQQ) will take up one and a half measures of music or six whole beats of music.