The Differences Between the Foxtrot and the Quickstep Dance in Kingwood, TX

by | Oct 18, 2016 | Dance School

Many ballroom dances are a bit slow and stately. They are elegant options. However, this isn’t always the case. Those who want to learn a ballroom dance that’s not one of the slower ones may want to give Quickstep Dance Kingwood TX lessons a try. This dance originally evolved from the foxtrot, but is now a totally separate dance. Understanding the differences between the two dances can make it easier to decide which to try first.

Speed

The quickstep dance originally developed as people sped up the foxtrot to be better able to dance to ragtime era jazz music. It is danced to a speed of about 200 beats per minute. The foxtrot, on the other hand, is usually danced at a speed of between 110 and 150 beats per minute. Keep in mind that even though the quickstep is a fast dance, dancers should look glamorous and light on their feet. Because the foxtrot is slower, it may be easier to learn this dance first and then move on to the more complicated and faster quickstep dance.

Dance Style

The two main dance styles used in contemporary ballroom dancing are the American style smooth and the international standard style, which was developed by the British. Both feature versions of the foxtrot, with the American style allowing for more open positions and solo actions. However, the quickstep dance is only featured in competitions using the international standard style, not those using American smooth style ballroom dancing. The quickstep isn’t even taught at all American dance studios for this reason, although some studios do still feature this fun style, and it is sometimes danced in social situations in the U.S.

Commonly Used Steps

Like the foxtrot, quickstep dance includes chassis, turns, runs and walks. However, it also includes a number of faster steps as well, such as skips, locks, quarter turns, and hops. People taking Quickstep Dance Kingwood TX lessons should expect to move around the floor a lot and use a number of syncopated steps that are only one-eighth note long.

Contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios for more information or to arrange for dance lessons.

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