Foxtrot Dance Lessons in Raleigh, NC
Learn the Classic Foxtrot with Confidence
If you’ve ever wanted to glide across the dance floor with smooth, graceful movement, foxtrot dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Raleigh are the perfect place to start. Known for its elegance and versatility, the foxtrot has been a ballroom dancing favorite for over a century. Our certified instructors teach students of all ages and skill levels how to move with ease, confidence, and joy.
New students can take advantage of our introductory offer: $59 for your first two classes.
What Makes the Foxtrot Unique
The foxtrot is a smooth dance that blends walking steps, side steps, and turns into long, flowing movements. Its foundation is built on the “slow quick quick” rhythm, slow steps followed by quick ones, that give it a graceful yet playful character. Originally popularized by Harry Fox in the 1910s, the foxtrot became synonymous with big band music and foxtrot songs performed by legends like Frank Sinatra.
With its timeless style, the foxtrot allows partners to move closer together, making it a social favorite and a staple in both American and International ballroom dancing.
A Short History of the Foxtrot
Harry Fox, a vaudeville dancer and comedian, introduced a “slow step” around 1912 during the ragtime era, giving birth to the foxtrot. This marked a new phase of ballroom dancing where partners moved closer and danced with more freedom.
By the 1930s, foxtrot songs set to big band arrangements made the dance incredibly popular, with smoother tempos adding elegance and grace to every step. Today, both the American and International styles remain favorites: the International style is danced entirely in contact, while the American style allows for added positions and more expressive movements.
Watch the Foxtrot in Action
Want to see what makes the foxtrot so popular? Check out this video demonstration from our students and notice how the smooth, flowing steps make the dance look effortless:
After you watch, come try these steps for yourself at our Raleigh studio. Nothing compares to learning the rhythm and grace of the foxtrot on the dance floor.
How We Teach the Foxtrot
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we break down foxtrot dance lessons into approachable steps so you feel comfortable right from the start.
Learn how to place your right foot forward on the slow beats.
Add walking steps and side steps to create smooth, flowing patterns.
Practice the count: slow, quick, quick, slow.
Understand how to keep the beats steady while moving across the floor.
As you progress, we introduce turns, trots, and variations designed for different tempos. Students learn how to move with confidence on both large and compact dance floors, adapting their style to the music.
Our instructors will share the history behind the foxtrot, explain why certain steps are called the way they are, and teach you how to play with tempo and rhythm in a way that feels natural.
Benefits of Foxtrot Dance Lessons
Foxtrot training offers many benefits of dance from fitness and stress relief to improved posture and social connection.
Great exercise that tones the legs, glutes, and core.Relieves stress and improves memory through rhythmic movement.
Encourages social connection as you learn alongside other students.
Helps men and women build posture, balance, and grace.
Gives couples a new way to share time together on the floor.
Frequently Asked Foxtrot Dance Questions
Yes! Beginners often find the foxtrot one of the most approachable ballroom dances because the walking steps feel natural. While mastering the slow quick quick timing takes practice, the joy of moving to upbeat foxtrot songs makes learning both fun and rewarding.
Many students love how adaptable the foxtrot is, you can dance it socially to pop or big band music, or practice the more formal International style if you prefer structured ballroom technique.
The basic steps are simple, but what makes the foxtrot challenging is the smooth, continuous flow. Unlike other ballroom dances, the foxtrot requires partners to maintain grace while gliding seamlessly across the floor, adjusting to different beats and tempos without breaking rhythm. With patient instruction, students quickly learn how to overcome this hurdle and enjoy the beauty of the dance.
Take the First Step Today
Whether you’re preparing for a special event, looking for a fun new hobby, or simply want to play with a new style of movement, foxtrot dance lessons are a wonderful choice. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Raleigh, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Call us at (919) 872-0111, or fill out the form below to schedule your first lesson. New students can start with our $59 introductory package for two classes.