History of the Foxtrot - An Evolution of the Foxtrot Dance

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What It Takes To Master Foxtrot Dancing

By Carol Gunda

The foxtrot is a popular dance that is only second in popularity to the waltz. This dance was named after Harry Fox, who actually invented this popular dance. Many actually associate this style of dancing with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. It actually was introduced first in the 1920’s and quickly became a hit, both in the United States and Europe. When the dance hit Europe, some found the dance a bit unrefined, so it was developed further and somewhat refined into the version of the foxtrot that we are familiar with today.

Defining Characteristics of the Foxtrot
The foxtrot is a dance that is based on style, rhythm, elegant grace, movement, and balance. In this dance it is quality that is more important than choreography and it is a dance that is graceful and pure that includes continuous straight patterns. This dance is to be flowing and continuous, however, the rise and fall of the dance are not as smooth as the waltz. This dance has a controlled movement that is smooth, yet deliberate and features gliding steps that have a heel lead.

Foxtrot Techniques
The techniques used when dancing the foxtrot use both slow steps and quick steps. The music for the foxtrot is written in 4/4 timing and usually a big band style of music is used for this dance. This dance is a smooth dance, which requires that you dance around the floor in a counterclockwise fashion and many of the steps used in the foxtrot are very similar to the steps that are used in the waltz. The accents of this dance are found on the one beat and on the three beat, and there is a rise and fall, which is also similar to that of the waltz.

Foxtrot Dance Competitions
The foxtrot is one of the easier ballroom dances to dance in a competition. Deciding to compete is a great idea, and can provide you with excellent experiences that will further your dance knowledge. Whether you decide to compete for the fun or you are competing for the challenge; it will help you to improve your foxtrot skills. While competitions can be quite fierce, they should also be looked on as a time when you can meet and spend time with others who enjoy dancing just as you do. Many times you can learn a great deal while you are at competitions, and when you view them as a learning experience, you will leave the competition a better dancer than when you arrived. No matter what level of dancing you may be at, getting involved in competitions is a great idea.

What the Judges Want to See
When you are competing in the foxtrot, you need to know what the judges want to see when you dance so you can deliver. The first thing that will be visible to the judges is how you look and how you hold yourself on the dance floor. You should look neat and have appropriate costumes for your dance and you should also make sure that you have a confident posture as well. As you start to dance, make sure that you are always with the music, for if you are not, it will ruin the entire dance, no matter what amazing techniques you pull off. Be sure that you have firm dance lines and that the holds of your dance are shaped correctly. Making sure that you have the general dance criteria mastered can help you out a great deal when you are dancing competitively.

The judges are also going to be looking for things that are specific to the foxtrot as well. Basics that they will look for in the foxtrot include the three step, feather, reverse turn with feather finish, natural turn, and closed impetus with feather finish. If you are planning to win even a bronze you will need to include change of direction, basic weave, and the natural weave. For the top medals, judges will be looking for top spin, hover feather, hover cross, reverse wave, natural twist turn, natural hover telemark, fallaway reverse and slip pivot, and curved feather to back feather. The more techniques that you can demonstrate when dancing the foxtrot, the more likely you are to win a medal.

Preparing to Dance the Foxtrot Competitively
When you are preparing to dance the foxtrot competitively you will want to make sure that you first learn the basics of the foxtrot. Get the timing down pat first and master the basic steps, and then you will be able to start working on more advanced techniques that will win you a gold. Winning a competition will take a great deal of practice and devotion on your part, and you will need to be able to live and breath your routine before you go to your competition.

There are some simple things that you need to do on the day of your competition to make sure you are prepared. Be sure that your costume is in order and that you take it with you. Also include makeup and hair pins that you may need as well as your dance shoes. It is essential that you are early for the competition in case they are running ahead of schedule and you need to go on early. You will need to take a copy of your music as well to submit for your routine. Remember, warming up and stretching before you go out to dance is important. You want to be loose and ready to dance when it is your turn. When it is time for you to dance, go out on the floor with confidence and dance a graceful foxtrot that will impress both the audience and the judges.