Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is very versatile and can be danced to a wide range of music especially medium tempo big band jazz and swing songs. It is characterised by smooth gliding steps, controlled movement and a stylish look.

The Foxtrot story starts around the beginning of the 20th century when popular African American musicians began to compose syncopated ragtime music. This energetic music made it difficult for listeners to sit still and the smooth dances like the Waltz weren’t fitting. So a new breed of jerky dances evolved. One of the first was the one step Turkey Trot which required flapping of the arms followed by dances like the Monkey dance, Horse Trot, the Grizzly Bear and Bunny Hug.

In 1914 a young vaudeville performer Harry Fox did a version of this fast, jerky trot on stage with the famous Ziegfield Follies and it became a hit in New York. People referred to his dance as “Fox’s Trot” and the elite of the dancing world were soon trying to capture the unusual style of movement . The Foxtrot caught the attention of dance duo Vernon and Irene Castle who influenced the evolution of the dance with their more graceful style. Over time the jumps were replaced by the smooth elegant form we know today.

The Foxtrot was one of the most significant developments in all of ballroom dancing. The combination of quick and slow steps permitting more flexibility and giving much greater dancing pleasure than the one-step and two-step which it replaced.

“Fever” by Michael Bublé and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Frank Sinatra are excellent examples of Foxtrot songs.

Foxtrot can be learned at Firefly in private lessons or group classes. The Foxtrot is one of Firefly’s core dances and is introduced in the casual Dance Sampler class and Partner Dancing for Beginners Level I group class – both suitable for absolute beginners.

If you are interested in learning Foxtrot:

• Check the Dance Sampler schedule.
• Talk to Firefly on 1300 725 977
• Check the Group Timetable for the next Partner Dancing for Beginners Level I class.
• Enquire Now