1. Focus on the Basics
Similar to the waltz, the foxtrot is an even and elegant dance that gracefully but energetically crosses the dance floor. American foxtrot and international foxtrot are slightly different with the open position being included in the American version. Move to 4/4 time with slow and quick steps to dance the Foxtrot. Every slow step lasts for two beats while each quick step is on one beat. Dance the foxtrot to just about any style of music and tempo; although, rules exist about tempo for competitions. Basic and forward/backward steps follow a simple pattern of slow, slow, quick, quick either forward or backward. Feet move forward separately on one and twp counts but quickly come together again to the left on the three, four counts. Feet move back separately on one and twp but come together to the left on the three, four counts. Continue with basic forward step in a zigzag pattern for foxtrot forward progression.
2. Promenade Together
With the same slow, slow, quick, quick rhythm, continue on to the foxtrot promenade step to dance the foxtrot. Partners face each other and move to the side while advancing similarly to a forward step (except that you're moving to the side as a unit instead of forward). Forward or back step in unison for the slow, slow count, and then turn to face each other for the quick, quick count for basic foxtrot promenade.
3. Turn Trots
Begin working on turns next to dance the foxtrot. The foxtrot rock left turn involves a forward step with one foot, and then a back step with the other foot, but it's turned inward 90 degrees. The feet come together at the same angle but behind where you first started the movement. This is all to the same slow, slow, quick, quick pattern. So dancers really move across the dance floor with the foxtrot rock left turn. Begin to add in even more turns once you know the basic footwork for promenade to dance the foxtrot. The follower makes a half turn on the slow, slow count, and then faces her partner on the quick, quick count. Include more turning in promenade steps to dance the foxtrot. Start in unison with forward and back steps; then turn to promenade. Next the follower does a half turn spin on the slow, slow counts and the couple faces each other again on the quick, quick counts. Following that, go back to the forward/back steps again, but this time, turn together as the leader does a back step (rock step), and the follower performs a forward step.
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