Foxtrot Lessons in Durham

The Origination of the Foxtrot: Name Origin and How it Was Perfected

Harry Fox might have been known for his vaudeville performances, but it’s for his contributions to dance that he truly shines. As the inventor of the Foxtrot dance step, he set the stage for a completely new era of ballroom dancing. Hence why the Foxtrot is named after his last name. 

By incorporating the “slow step,” he ushered in a dance form that allowed partners to dance closer together and improvise to the beat of ragtime music. Prior to this, other dances like the Polka, Waltz, and One-Step were popular, but they were much more rigid in their form. With the Foxtrot, Fox inspired a new generation of dancers to let loose, have fun, and discover the joy of moving to a new and exhilarating rhythm. If you’re new to ballroom dancing, the Foxtrot may be the easiest ballroom dance to learn first! It’s fun yet the dance moves are simplistic enough for beginners to learn. 

How the Foxtrot Evolved from 1915-1960

In the year 1915, the world of music was introduced to a new and delightful genre of songs – the pop culture was born. Tunes like “Oh, You Beautiful Doll” and “Ida” swept through the airwaves and became crowd favorites. The audience quickly embraced the smoother, rhythmic beats, and dancing gained a more refined edge. From then on, dance became an expression of individuality, with focus placed on fluid movement and self-expression. This revolutionized dance, making it more elegant and dynamic, and it has remained so to this day. With its abundant benefits, the Foxtrot is loved by many people throughout the world.

As the sixties were in full swing, the sleek and elegant International style of dancing was shimmying its way into American ballrooms. It wasn’t long until it worked its way into the beloved American style Foxtrot, infusing it with a dash of European flair. Today, while the two are similar, the International style is known for its intimacy and connection while the American style gleefully explores the depths of creative expression. The Foxtrot’s smooth and graceful movements are tailor-made for larger-scale ballroom floors, but don’t let that intimidate you! With its polished routines designed to make you look and feel like a star, you can take advantage of an introductory offer to determine if the Foxtrot is the right fit for you. 

Immerse Yourself in Foxtrot Dance Lessons in Durham, NC

At the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Durham, we are happy to work with dancers of all levels – from beginners to advanced. The studio atmosphere is filled with a wonderful group of people who will encourage you to achieve new levels of success. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, we guarantee you’ll feel right at home. Give us a call at [phone] or better yet, come visit us today and let’s get dancing!