SLOW, SLOW, QUICK QUICK, SLOW!
Foxtrot was given to us by a man called Mr Fox, its his “trot”! Here is what to look for on Saturday – think effortless elegance and look out for Heel Turns!
Foxtrot is danced using a normal ballroom-style closed position dance hold. This typically includes the use of body contact. In closed position the man and lady stand in front of each other, slightly offset to the left. The lady’s right hand and man’s left hand are joined in an upper-hand clasp at approximately the lady’s eye level. The man’s right hand is placed on the lady’s shoulder blade, with the lady’s left arm resting easily on his right. The resulting dance “frame” should be held sturdy, but relaxed and absent of tension or strain.
Footwork: Forward walking steps are normally taken with the heel first in contact with the floor, with the toe lowering as the body moves over it. Backwards walks are taken with the toe first, with the heel lowering as the body moves over it. At the same time, the toe of the forward foot should release from the floor as the body moves away. Side steps and chasses normally use the toe first.
Rise & Fall The rise & fall action is present in Foxtrot, although it is more subtle than that of Waltz.
Contra-Body Movement Typical of the smooth and standard ballroom dances, contra-body movement is used to commence most rotational movements.
Sway Sway is defined as the inclination of the body to the left or right, usually accompanying movements to the side. Sway is present in Foxtrot, particularly in the Silver and above levels, where movements tend to be fuller and more sweeping.
Continuity Continuity is defined as the continuous passing of the feet from step to step, without any closing or chasse actions. Typically, a series of three or more passing steps constitute a continuity action.
Foxtrot is probably the dance that people struggle with the most. It is notoriously difficult to get right, but a good one is a magical thing to behold!
