Before WWII The Foxtrot Was One of the Most Popular Dances

The foxtrot is a dance you seldom hear much about these days. But, once upon a time it was a dance that most people knew how to do. It could be done fast or slow and the steps were simple enough that other dance moves could easily be incorporated into the 4-count rhythm without changing things up too much. For these reasons and many others it was the signature dance of the Jazz Age, danced to everything from ragtime to big band to rock and roll. So what was it about this dance that everyone loved so much?

The Steps Are Simple

In its simplest form you only need to be able to walk to the music- either faster or slower, facing forwards or going backwards. This means it’s an easy-to-learn dance when compared to more complex dances.

This dance mixes slow and fast steps so that it can be done in a variety of combinations.

The Music Can Vary

In one theory Harry Fox, comedian of the Vaudeville era, is responsible for the dance as his physical comedy on stage involved exaggerated steps. Some have questioned this legend, but whatever the origin the timing of the dance was right there with ragtime music.

As jazz evolved so did the foxtrot, making it a versatile dance for most of the popular music that was being played in dance halls and night clubs at the time. Ragtime, big band, jazz, and rock were all genres that people have danced the foxtrot to over the years. When “Rock Around the Clock” was released in 1954 by Bill Haley & His Comets not many listeners had heard of rock and roll and so the song was billed as a “novelty foxtrot” to give people a clue as to how to dance to it!

You Dance Close

In this dance the two parties are close together, perfect for boogieing the night away with your sweetheart. The turns in this dance are quarter turns, which means you never really disconnect from your dance partner and so you can’t get lost or crash into others dancers during wild turns.

Add-Ons Are Easy

Adding other dance moves like the Black Bottom or the Charleston to a foxtrot is easy since the steps are basic and you’re always facing your partner. For decades the foxtrot evolved with dance fads and music trends, always suitable for the latest craze to be incorporated in.

Watch the video below to see just how the foxtrot was done back in the old days!