Learn to Fox Trot in Ottawa

The Fox Trot provides a good foundation for all dances and is often called the “get-acquainted” or “first impression” dance. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety and maneuverability. The Fox Trot posture is attractive in appearance and helpful to all other dances. Being able to dance to slow, medium and fast tempos will add confidence to your dancing and will assure fun and relaxation to your partner.

Arthur Murray Ottawa invites you to take advantage of a first free lesson. Click Here for your free class today!

Private Fox Trot Lessons

During your one-on-one private Fox Trot classes, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.

For over 20 years Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa has been one of Ottawa’s leading dance schools. Award-winning instructors and owners Marilisa Granzotto and Steve Martin are members of the World Professional Dance Teachers Association.

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 3 dances: Slow; Medium; and Fast Fox Trot – also called Society Tempo. Fox Trot has 2 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 gthree 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

Dance Position – To develop attractive appearance in ballroom dancing
Footwork – Work on ankle flexibility, smooth walks and chasses
Follow Through – Develop control of timing
Maneuverability – Learn to move comfortably in all directions
Amalgamations – Combine steps easily and smoothly to all tempos, transitions from Swing to Fox Trot and back
Continuity – Be able to move continuously and smoothly
Compare/Contrast – Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Swing

Songs and Artists Include:

New York New York – Frank Sinatra
My Baby Only Cares For Me – The Brian Setzer Orchestra
It Had To Be You – Harry Connick, Jr.