The Proper Foxtrot

March 12, 2010

Foxtrot is one of the most beautiful and most difficult modern ballroom rhythms. The foxtrot is a foundation for all other dances; the Foxtrot is a very popular dance that includes elements found in most other types of dancing. Foxtrot is danced to slow 4/4 time music and is comprised of soft and fluid linear movements. It is true that a foxtrot is supposed to be more diagonal than a running walk, but both of them are “broken gaits”. The foxtrot is sophisticated, elegantly stunning, which is simply superb watching the graceful slow dance; it is the dance to which all ballroom dancers aspire. The foxtrot is a very smooth dance and there should be no jerkiness. Slow foxtrot is the standard dance many find the most challenging, and most rewarding.

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a formal dance, evening wear and beautiful hall, everyone thinks of the foxtrot. North American dancing styles feature the underarm turns where each one of the partners can detach from one another and dance openly. They popularized the dance and the elite of the dancing world were soon trying to capture the unusual style of movement of the Foxtrot. The foxtrot is a popular dance today because it is recognized by long and flowing movements which are a characteristic of the slow-quick-quick rhythm. The foxtrot is an American dance consisting of short and long steps with the occasional glides and slides. Is a basic dance from which you can acquire a good foundation? Many people take dance lessons are a traditional dance such as foxtrot to prepare for the “first dance” at a wedding party. The foxtrot is a dance with fixed expression; the foxtrot is creative and joyful, while improvising within the tempo of the music. The foxtrot is one the only dances noted for being one of the first dances to incorporate both the quick’s and slows into the rhythm of the dance. A medium-speed smooth or standard dance, the foxtrot has both a box- step basic and a progressive (forward-moving) basic step.

During the swing era, foxtrot was the most popular dance in the ballroom, until the ballrooms started teaching swing.

The foxtrot is a graceful and romantic dance that is more challenging than other forms of ballroom. The Foxtrot is one of the most deceiving dances as it looks very easy, but is one of the most difficult dances to do. The foxtrot is still the most popular ballroom dance of all. The great fascination of Foxtrot is the amazing variety of interpretations there can be of what is basically such a simple dance. Still a classic dance for wedding receptions, the Foxtrot is a true American favorite.

David Marc Fishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/the-proper-foxtrot-76861.html

  1. 6 Responses to “The Proper Foxtrot”

  2. What is the proper ballroom dance for the song "Nothing Matters When We're Dancing" by the Magnetic Fields?
    Foxtrot, waltz, other?
    And I’m not good with "time" …. is the song 4/4, 3/4, straight-time, etc??
    And, you can find a clip of it here…
    http://artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,875190,00.html

    By briantrease on Mar 12, 2010

  3. I love the magnetic fields.

    This song is 4/4 time, which would rule out the waltz. The foxtrot works with 4/4 time though.

    I think with this gentle song a slow swaying might be the most appropriate style of dance.
    References :

    By meep on Mar 12, 2010

  4. Proper ballroom dance aside, I was just glad to see a question with the words "Magnetic Fields"!!! Right on, comrade!!
    References :

    By american_sickboy on Mar 12, 2010

  5. The "box step" works well with this. It’s a basic dance step. 4/4
    Keep dancing!
    References :

    By Sylk on Mar 12, 2010

  6. The rythm of the song is 4/4

    While there are many dances that are danced to 4/4 I believe West Coast Swing and Foxtrot fit the charachter of the song the best.
    References :

    By snowflake1234 on Mar 12, 2010

  7. Foxtrot, West Coast depends on the size of your floor, the skill of your partner and your mood! Good luck!
    References :

    By Jeffrey on Mar 12, 2010

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