Welcome!                         
      NFO.NET        A W rld of Information!             E-Z 30 MINUTE DANCE COURSE™©
Google            Search Tip: Multiple words inside quotes.
DATABASES ARCHIVES RESOURCES MUSIC INSTRUCTION CONTACT US
The Foxtrot     (or the Waltz) should be learned first.     Easy,  fun;  an entry to other dances.

An interesting facet of the Foxtrot, is that it can be danced with virtually any 2/4 or 4/4 time song. This means that these Foxtrot steps can be used with the Quick Step, Blues, Tango, even Rock and Roll. Only the tempo (speed) will change according to the music style.

The Foxtrot is one of those dances that move about the floor. You will not stand in one small area. Instead, you will be following the "Line of Dance", - that is, the couple moves Counter-Clockwise around the dance floor. One of the usual ways to accomplish this is to dance a Zig-Zag line. This is shown more clearly in our "continuation" diagram below. For now, just be sure to practice your Basic Foxtrot Step until it's second nature and you're able to dance reflexively, without having to think about the steps while on the floor.

Once the Foxtrot has been mastered, the other dances - Swing and Latin - will come much more easily. Not only is the Foxtrot the world's most commonly performed dance, but it is simple to do, very romantic, lots of fun, and allows for easy conversation. But, please don't start conversing until the steps have become second nature.

Tempo:
While the speed can vary anywhere from 22 to 42 bars per minute, most social dancing is done at the slower speeds (22 being sort of 'Dreamy'). In the USA, 30 to 32 is normal, while in the rest of the world, 28-30 is more common. Note: The Peabody variation is uses 60-62 -in the USA, while The Quickstep variation is danced slightly slower at 50-52.
Music Time Signature:
4/4: 4 beats per bar. The Dancing count is: Slow, Slow, Quick Quick.

Here's some music for your practice session.
Listen to
"The Way You Look Tonight"
"Tuxedo Junction"
"Peg O' My Heart"

Here's a video showing the Men's basic foxtrot step. (The ladies will just do the reversee, - starting off by moving the Right foot backwards. )

  VIDEO: "Basic Foxtrot"   (Film Clip: expertvillage ): Learn how to dance the men's part of the foxtrot in this free instructional dance video, as part of a series from ExpertVillage.com

Men's Basic Foxtrot Steps

Steps 1 through 4 comprise the Men's BASIC FOXTROT STEP
1. Left foot forward 2. Right foot forward (start turn) 3. Left foot to Side 4. Right foot closes.
* The Basic Step is counted as Slow - Slow - Quick - Quick
* First practice the Basic Step for a few minutes.
* Then start to practice the full continuation. After about 30 minutes, you will be able to do it without looking at the Chart. You will be dancing the Foxtrot. (Well, after all, this is the E-Z 30 Minute Dance Course!)


Remember, the Foxtrot is a dance that moves around the floor in the "Line of Dance". The Left-hand picture above shows the "continution" of steps that will be danced 'counter-clockwise' on the dance floor.
NOTA BENE: It is usual for the leader to move forward in a sort of Zig-Zag manner. Notice how the leader makes a quarter turn to the Right on step 2 of the Zig, and another quarter turn to the Left on step 2 of the Zag, -with the Follow executing appropriately. While there are many minor variations on the basic step, we have chosen to show this -perhaps- most widely used version, and the easiest. (For one example of this variation, 'Click' Here, to see one of our original Foxtrot pages.) Just remember, - there are four steps, counted Slow-Slow Quick-Quick. You are trying to glide smoothly across the floor in a continuation consisting of one basic step forward and one basic step backwards.

Lady's Basic Foxtrot Steps

Steps 1 through 4 comprise the Ladies BASIC FOXTROT STEP
1. Right foot back 2. Left foot back (start turn) 3. Right foot to Side 4. Left foot closes.
* The Basic Step is counted as Slow - Slow - Quick - Quick
* First practice the Basic Step for a few minutes.
* Then start to practice the full continuation. After about 30 minutes, you will be able to do it without looking at the Chart. You will be dancing the Foxtrot. (Well, after all, this is the E-Z 30 Minute Dance Course!)


The 'Basic' Steps may be practiced either alone or with a partner. Practice until you (and your partner) are comfortable and can execute the pattern easily and without any stress. Notice that you are attempting to glide smoothly across the dance floor with the continuation of one Basic Step Backwards, followed with one Basic Step Forwards, and so forth (counted Slow-Slow Quick-Quick).

Also, know that there are a number of minor variations on the basic steps. One can arrange the basic step to go forward, back, to a side, or even making a sort of 'box'. (For one example, 'Click' Here, to see one of our original Foxtrot pages.) The Follow should remember that the Lead may not choose the "Zig Zag" pattern shown here. We have chosen to show the Zig-Zag because it's one of the most widely used, and the usual way for folks to dance around the floor. (Not to mention, - it's the simplest!)

But, should 'your' Lead NOT choose this easy Zig-ag line of dance, just remember that there are only four steps counted as Slow-Slow Quick-Quick. (And, as you glide around the floor - pray that the Lead knows where he is taking you!)

And, now on to the:


The Foxtrot Pivots
The NATURAL PIVOT turns to the RIGHT, while the REVERSE PIVOT turns to the LEFT.

    

The Natural (Right) Pivot Turn
The Lead's "Rocking BACK is the RIGHT Way"

LEAD'S Steps
1. Step BACK on the Left foot, turning toes to initiate the Right Turn.
2. Step forward on Right foot continue turning to Right.
3. Left foot to the side.
4. Close Right Foot to Left foot.

FOLLOW'S Steps
1. Right foot forward -tuning toes to Left (initiating the Lead's Right Turn)
2. Step back on Left foot (continue turning left for Lead's turn to the Right.)
3. Right foot to the Side.
4. Close Left foot to Right foot.

    

The Reverse (Left) Pivot Turn
The Lead's "Forward to the Reverse"

LEAD'S Steps
1. Man steps FORWARD on left foot.
2. Right foot moves forward, barely taps floor, and Rocks back to start position.
3. Left foot moves backward and to the side - about 90 degree turn. (A fairly small step.)
4. Close the Right foot to the left, with your weight on the Right foot. (Ready to start the Foxtrot Basic Step again.)

FOLLOW'S Steps
1. Right Foot steps back.
2. Left Foot steps back and barely taps floor before moving back to start position, slightly turned
3. Move the Right Foot forward turning to the side (turning with the man).
4. Close the Left foot to the Right, with your weight on the Left foot. (Ready to start the Basic Foxtrot.)

Nota Bene:
With the Last step of The Reverse and The Natural Pivots, you are in the Start Position of the Basic Foxtrot Step.

The Side Step
Useful for marking time in one spot, or moving sideways.

There is one more "step" that is useful. From time to time, the dance floor may become so crowded that it could be necessary to stand in one spot for a few monents. In this case, the "Side Step" is a useful tool in the Dancer's armory.

It is an extremely simple little step, but showing it on the screen is a bit complex. Here it is by the steps. (Very easy to do.)

LEAD Steps. -- (Follow's Steps)
From the Start Position (Feet together)
1. Move Left foot to side.
       (Woman: moves Right Foot to side)
2. Move Right to close with the left, but only tap the floor with the toe.
       (Woman: moves Left foot to tap floor next to her right foot)
3. Move Right back to Start position.
       (Woman: Moves Left foot back to start position)
4. Move Left to close with the Right foot, but just tap the floor with toe.
       (Woman: Closes Right foot back to start just taps floor with toe.)

The lead can now end standing (his weight) on the Right foot, and start the Basic Foxtrot steps. When he leads with his left foot, be may, if needed, turn his toe slightly to enter into a "Zig" line.

If needed, the Lead may use this step to "move over" farther to the left side by simply continuing as follows:

5. Again Move Left foot to the side.
       (Woman: Moves Right to side.)
6. Move Right Foot to close with the Left BUT end Standing on your Right foot.
       (Woman: Closes Left to the Right. But Stands on Left foot. )

Now:

7. Move Left foot to the side.
       (Woman: Right foot to the side.)
8. Tap Right foot next to the left.
       (Woman: Tap Left next to the Right foot.)
9. Move Right foot back to side.
       (Woman: Left foot back to side.)
10. Tap Left foot back to the Right Weight on Right Foot
       (Woman: Right foot back to the Left, - Weight on Left foot.)
And they are now back again at the Start Position of the Basic Foxtrot Steps.

TOP    or     Dance Top Page
eMail/Webmaster: [ mlp@nfo.net ]To: murray pfeffer
© Copyright 1988-2006 Murray L. Pfeffer. All Rights Reserved.