Learn the beginner Foxtrot steps for men and women. Foxtrot is one of the most social Ballroom dances out there and you will be able to use these steps in many social situations. Another dance you may want to check out is the Waltz.
Most Basic Foxtrot Dance Steps:
Summary of Foxtrot Steps
Men:
Fwd with left foot
Fwd with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Women
Back with right foot
Back with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Pro Tip:
To achieve smooth gliding across the floor you need to practice passing your feet without stopping, and also making sure the men are stepping forward from their heel and ladies going back from their ball of the foot.
Summary of Foxtrot Count:
The music is structured in phrases of 8 and the way you count this dance is: Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick. The slow is 2 beats, and the quick is 1 beat. An alternative way to count it is with numbers: 1,2 (Slow). 3,4 (Slow), Quick, Quick (5,6). Don’t worry about it ending at 6 beats, what is important is that you keep the right beat value through out.
Lastly, What is the Foxtrot anyways? Foxtrot Character:
The Foxtrot dance originated around 1910 and is still danced today all over the world. This dance has similarities to the “rise and fall” of Waltz, but the steps do differ for the most part. The character of this dance has a smooth gliding feeling across the floor. It is one of the easiest Ballroom dances to start learning for new students. It fits many of the “big band” type of music including “Fly me to the moon” by Frank Sinatra as well as “Can’t take my eyes off of you” by Frankie Valli.
Related:
Foxtrot technique for basic step
More Foxtrot dance steps
More ballroom dance lessons
I like your instruction – very clear but i need practice.
Hello Leon,
How soon can we look forward to the rest of basic foxtrot?
Thanks or providing the Foxtrot basic lesson!
Looking forward to more.
We will be adding more Foxtrot in the next months… Don’t have exact timeline.
Foxtrot is a great addition to the selection of dances. I look forward to the additional lessons to be added.
Hello Leon,
I love to take ballroom dance lessons from, bat I do not have a partner, can I still learn?
Thank you.
Gilda
Hi Gilda, You don’t need a partner. Its good if you have one to practice with eventually… but you don’t need one to start learning. I have a video explaining this here: https://www.passion4dancing.com/do-you-need-a-partner-to-learn-dancing/
Great basic lesson, clear and precise
Thank for your slowly and clearly Foxtrot.
Excellent
Leon,
I have a wedding coming up in June and my fiancé and I want to put on a good dance. We know the basics for a foxtrot. but we are not sure how to create a routine. Is there a way you could help us out. The song we are dancing too is I do cherishYou by 98 degrees. I would greatly appreciate any help you could give.
I sent you an email.
Leon,
How do you start the Ballroom Hustle? I see different ways on line. It is confusing.
Thank you. Bob
Hi Robert, I sent you an email.
what kink of music you play on this dance ?
A lot of the old big band music works and a lot of Frank sinatra are Foxtrots. As a member you get a music list every month here: https://www.passion4dancing.com/category/monthly-dance-music-picks/
And we include Foxtrot songs there too.
Hi Leon I have a problems with waltz am pulled in my feet to fast could you help me
Leon,
I love the Fox Trot. Hopefully you will have some additional steps to share. I probably prefer these slower, smoother dances because of my advanced years and limited stamina.
Thank you.
Robert
one of your best lessons waiting for more steps
Thank you for the Fox Trot! Very popular at Saturday night dinner dances playing big band music.
We are enjoying your Waltz & Foxtrot lessons. Looking forward to learning some additional steps. Thanks Leon!
I love the Foxtrot.
If have viewed the basic Foxtrot how do I get back to the next lessons.
Hi Martin, as of right you need to return to the main foxtrot (or which ever dance to select next one.