FOX TROT BOX VARIATIONS (SQQ rhythm)

Unlike the Magic Step, these Fox Trot steps are danced in 4/4 time. It takes 4 counts (1 measure) to complete one step. With a strong pressure lead, the man can change rhythms during the Fox Trot. He should change during a basic Magic Step into a basic Box Step (or vice versa) rather than during a variation (described later). Many box waltz variations can be adapted to this Fox Trot because of the three weight changes in each.


BOX STEP: Done in closed position. It takes 2 measures (SQQ's) to complete a Box. Some variations will refer to the "forward half" or "backward half" (or "first" or "second half") of a Box. This step is the basis of most variations.
 
Count
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
"Forward Half"
 1  2  3  4 
 S  Q/Q  S  Q/Q 
 L  R/L  R  L/R 
 Fwd  Si/Cl  Bk  Si/Cl 
 
"Backward Half"
 1  2  3  4 
 S  Q/Q  S  Q/Q 
 L  R/L  R  L/R 
 Fwd  Si/Cl  Bk  Si/Cl 


LEFT BOX TURN: Box Step, making a left 1/4 turn on each Slow step. It takes 4 measures for a complete 360° turn. A half turn (180°) is described. Repeat it to complete the 360°. Remember that a LEFT TURN will always begin on the LEFT FOOT.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
  (CCW)
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 TnFwd    Si  Cl 
90° 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 R    L  R 
 TnBk    Si  Cl 
90° 


WEAVE: (Similar to Open Weave of Waltz.) Begin with the forward half of the box, "interrupt" with the Weave (two measures). Position change occurs on the second quick step. End it by completing the back half of the box.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
Position
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
Closed 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 R    L  R 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
S-O 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
Reverse Closed


TWINKLE STEP: This pattern is led from the forward half of the box step and alternates between right and left parallel position as the couple travels diagonally in and out of the circle. It may be repeated several times before returning to closed position.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
Position
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
Closed 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 R    L  R 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
R// 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
L// Closed


GRAPEVINE STEP: This begins in closed position and the forward half of the box step. Four quick steps are inserted for the grapevine pattern.
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
Position
 S    Q  Q 
 L    R  L 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
Closed 
 
 Q  Q  Q  Q 
 R  L  R  L 
 Fwd  Si  Bk  Si 
 R//  L//  L//  R// 
 
 S    Q  Q 
 R    L  R 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
R// Closed


ADAPTING WALTZ VARIATIONS: Many waltz variations can be altered to be danced in the Fox Trot box series. Each dance has three weight changes per measure; therefore, the only adaption one must make is to change the rhythm pattern from QQQ (Waltz) to SQQ (Fox Trot).
Waltz Count
3 Weight Changes
 
 1  2  3 
 Q  Q  Q 
 Fwd  Si  Cl 
 
 1  2  3 
 Q  Q  Q 
 Bk  Si  Cl 


Fox Trot Count
3 Weight Changes
 
 1  2  3  4 
 S    Q  Q 
 Fwd    Si  Cl 
 
 1  2  3  4 
 S    Q  Q 
 Bk    Si  Cl 


CHANGING RHYTHMS: Mixing rhythms (Box and Magic) is what gives the Fox Trot so many possibilities. It requires a "pressure" lead. Most men develop a rhythm change combination that is easiest for them. The following can be used until you are confident with the changes. It is generally simpler to make the rhythm change between a traveling and a non-traveling pattern with a directional change (e.g., Magic Step into Box turn or Box turn into a Magic rock step.)


Magic Step to Box Step: Go from Magic Step into Box Turn.
Count
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
 1  2  3  4  1     
 S  S  Q/Q  S  Q/Q*     
 L  R  L/R  L  R/L     
 Fwd  Fwd  Si/Cl  Tn  Si/Cl  (Cont. Box Turn) 


Box Step to Magic Step: Go from a Left Box Turn into the Magic Sway or Rock Step. Description begins with the "back half" of a Box Turn.
Count
Rhythm
Weight
Direction
 
 1   2  
 S   Q/Q  
 R   L/R  
  BkTn       Si/Cl     
(Completing Box Turn)
 
 3   4  1 
 S*   S*  Q/Q 
 L   R  L/R 
  Si/To       Si/To   Si/Cl 
(Sway Step............)

*=Pressure Lead







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 



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