UT Austin - Ballroom & Country/Western Dance Packet

FOX TROT

The Fox Trot and Swing are the only pure American forms of social dance. In the early 1900's broadway star Henry Fox introduced a much faster version (thus its name) that thrilled the public. Because of its degree of difficulty, the dance was slowed down and simplified to become the Fox Trot.

STYLE: The "Big Band" style of music sets the tone for the style. It should be smooth and flowing, traveling constantly. Slow (S) steps should be long and reaching, quick (Q) steps, short and lively. As the music suggests, there is an easy "sway" element.

RHYTHM: Music for the Fox Trot is played in 4/4 time. Although the Fox Trot may be danced in several rhythmic combinations, only two will be described: SSQQ (Magic Step) and SQQ (Westchester Box Step).

MAGIC STEP: SSQQ rhythm

This step is unique in that it is danced in 6/4 time, meaning it takes 6 counts (one and 1/2 measures) to perform one SSQQ pattern (similar to the C/W Two-step). The music and dance rhythms will be noted separately only in the first description; thereafter, only the dance rhythms (S's and Q's) will be used.

The pattern may be started on either count 1 or 3. Directions are for the man, except where noted. Lady's are just the opposite unless noted. Many couples will begin a fast Fox Trot with a Magic Step, and then break into a Swing. The rhythms are the same. Once a dancer is comfortable with both rhythm patterns (Magic and Box), he will incorporate both in his Fox Trot.

BASIC TRAVEL: Each pattern repeats on the L foot for Man, R foot for Lady. It can be danced in closed or semi-open position.

4/4 (Music)	1	2	3	&	4
6/4 (Dance)	1	2	3	&
Rhythm	S	S	Q	Q	Repeat
Weight	L	R	L	R
Dir: Cl Pos	Fwd	Fwd	Si	Cl
Dir: S-O Pos	Fwd	Fwd	Fwd	Cl

PICKET FENCE: This is a simple variation of the Basic Travel in closed position. Because of the zigzag direction it follows, it keeps the couple "on course". On the QQ's, a 90° turn (change of direction) is made; the first turn (CW) is away from or "Out" of the center and bigger than the second turn (CCW), which is "Into" toward center.

Rhythm

Weight

Direction

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Fwd	Fwd	Si	Cl
Out of circle CWTn
"Big"

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Bk	Bk	Si	Cl
Into circle CCWTn
"Little"

SWAY STEP: This is done in place traveling slightly sideward, cross-stepping or arch turning the lady on the cross step option.

Count

Rhythm

Weight

Basic

Cross-step

Arch turn Lady

(R)

(L)

REPEAT BASIC

ROCK STEP: Done in closed or semi-open. It can also be used to change direction by turning 90° on the first Slow.

Rhythm

Weight

Direction

Or Turning

Position

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Fwd	Bk	Si	Cl
Fwd	Tn Bk	Si	Cl
Closed ...............

RIGHT AND LEFT PARALLEL: Variation of Basic Travel. Change position on Quicks. May come back to closed on any QQ. Will result in a zigzag floor pattern. (// refers to position.)

Rhythm

Weight

Direction

Position

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Fwd	Fwd	Si	Cl
Closed.............R//...
(Continue L//)......R//

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Fwd	Fwd	Si	Cl
................L//
..............Closed

WHEEL: Lead from the Basic Travel into an arch turn out and rock step (basic Jitterbug step). Pull into right parallel on the QQ's. Both partner's steps will all be forward during the Wheel. After completing the following pattern in right parallel, close up on the last QQ's going into a Basic Travel forward.

	Rhythm
Man:	Weight
	Direction
	Position

Lady:	Weight
	Direction
	Position

S	S		Q	Q
L	R		L	R
Fwd	Bk		Bk	Fwd
Arch	LHand	......................

R	L		R	L
Fwd Tn	Cl		Bk	Fwd
Arch	RHand	......................

S	S	Q	Q
L	R	L	R
Fwd	Fwd	Fwd	Cl
R//.........................Cl

R	L	R	L
Fwd	Fwd	Fwd	Cl
R//.........................Cl

Bk=Back Cl=Close CCW=CounterCW(L) CW=Clockwise(R) FWD=Forward He=Heel
Ho=Hop or Hold IP=In Place K=Kick //=Parallel Si=Side S-O=Semi-Open Tn=Turn
To=Touch X=Cross

[<< Previous page]	[Next page >>]


CONTENTS PAGE - Ballroom and Country/Western Dance Packet
Rosemary Slack's Home Page