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Fox Trot
The Fox Trot provides a good foundation for all dances and is
often called the "get-acquainted" or "first impression" dance.
History:
In 1913, Harry
Fox, a vaudeville comedian, introduced a trot to a ragtime song in the 1913
Ziegfeld Follies that pushed other trots into the background. It became
America's most popular dance and remains so to this day as the standard of
social dances.
Music:
Fox Trot music
is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The first and third beats are accented in 4/4
time. The range of Fox Trot tempos makes it possible to consider Foxtrot as
though it were three dances: Slow Fox Trot; Medium Fox Trot; and Fast Fox
Trot, also called Society Tempo. Fox Trot has two major teaching rhythms:
Magic Rhythm - Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick (SSQQ) and Box Rhythm - Slow, Quick,
Quick (SQQ).
Characteristics:
The basic
components of Fox Trot are walking steps and side steps. Crowded dance
floors or night club conditions require that all three tempos be expressed
with short steps. In larger ballrooms the slow Fox Trot is characterized by
longer smooth, gliding steps, demanding ease of movement and control in
order to give this dance an unhurried appearance.
Teaching
Elements:
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Dance Position--To
develop attractive appearance in ballroom dancing
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Footwork--Work
on ankle flexibility, smooth walks and chasses
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Follow Through--Develop
control of timing
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Maneuverability--Learn
to move comfortably in all directions
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Amalgamations--Combine
steps easily and smoothly to all tempos, transitions from Swing to Fox
Trot and back
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Continuity--Be
able to move continuously and smoothly
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Compare/Contrast--Waltz,
Tango, Rumba, Swing
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