Foxtrot
Social Ballroom · Foundation
- Time signature
- 4/4
Social tempos vary widely; part of the skill is matching the size and style of movement to the music.
Origin
Early-1900s America — named for vaudeville actor Harry Fox, but popularized by Vernon and Irene Castle, who brought a walking dance they’d seen African American dancers doing to a wider audience.
Music
4/4 time, smooth and continuous.
Character
Smooth and elegant — a walk in the park with a side step on the end, mixing slows and quicks.
Figures
- 1
Basic with Bounce Action
- 2
Promenade
- 3
Rock Turn Left
- 4
Promenade with Underarm Turn
- 5
Promenade Twinkle (Follower Turn)
Elsewhere in Social Ballroom
Want to learn the Foxtrot?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.