Smooth ballroom dance characterized by flowing movements and elegant simplicity — a staple of wedding dance floors and competition ballroom since its 1914 creation.
Origins
Created: 1914 by vaudeville performer Harry Fox (hence “Fox’s Trot”), originally a trotting step to ragtime music.
Evolution: Refined in 1920s-30s into smooth, gliding style. American vs International (Standard) variations developed.
Dance Characteristics
American Smooth Foxtrot:
- Open position allowed, underarm turns
- Flowing across dance floor (line of dance)
- Long gliding steps, rise and fall
- Tempo: ~30 bars per minute (120 BPM)
International Standard Foxtrot:
- Closed position throughout, more rigid
- Emphasis on frame, posture, continuous flow
- Competitive focus, technical precision
Music
Classic: Frank Sinatra “The Way You Look Tonight,” Nat King Cole “L-O-V-E,” Michael Bublé “Save the Last Dance”
Modern: Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” (slow foxtrot), John Legend “All of Me”
Wedding & Social Dancing
Why popular:
- Elegant without being stuffy (vs waltz formality)
- Easy basics (slow-slow-quick-quick pattern)
- Works with most crooner/jazz standards
- Graceful for older couples (no high energy required)
Competition Circuit
- DWTS/Strictly: Week 2-3 staple, judges score on frame and flow
- USA Dance Championships: American Smooth category, theatrical elements allowed
- Blackpool: International Standard, pure technique
Cultural Staying Power
- Old Hollywood romance (Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers films)
- Great Gatsby era nostalgia (2010s speakeasy/vintage trend)
- Accessible to beginners, lifetime mastery potential
Related
- #Waltz, #BallroomDance, #DWTS, #WeddingDance, #SmoothDancing