Thursday 16 July 2009

Historical Facts About Foxtrot

By Erika Tieleman

Foxtrot is an elegant and sophisticated dance, characterized by smooth, gliding steps and fluid movements. It's quite similar to Waltz, as they are both smooth and elegant dances. In this article we'll take a look at some historical facts about foxtrot.

When did the foxtrot first appear? Foxtrot first appeared in the summer of 1914 in New York. An American actor by the name of Harry Fox is credited as the originator of the foxtrot. In his musical show he introduced a trotting step to the ragtime music. This soon became known as Fox's trot and the foxtrot was born.

In the 30s foxtrot gradually developed into a bit different, more smooth and fluid appearance. In the 1940s it became the most trendy dance in the US. It was more popular than waltz, lindy pop or Latin American dances which were the hot new thing at the time.

When foxtrot was created it was danced to ragtime music. This has changed and today it's usually accompanied by big band music. Most famous and popular foxtrot artists include Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Billie Holiday, and many, many more.

The music of foxtrot is played in 4/4 timing. Basic rhythmic pattern of is slow, slow, quick, quick. Three steps are made for every four beats of music.

Eventually, two different types of Foxtrot developed - slow and quick. Another name for quick foxtrot is quickstep which, in the beginning, was named Quicktime Foxtrot. Quickstep is very lively and cheerful. Slow Foxtrot of Slowfox is further split into International and American style.

Today, foxtrot is very much alive and one of the most popular ballroom dances. Elegant, romantic, interesting and very worth trying.

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