Foxtrot Dance
Foxtrot is an American ballroom partner dance that emerged in New York City during the 1910s, danced to jazz and big-band music at a moderate tempo with a slow-slow-quick-quick rhythm.
It is known for long walking steps, continuous movement, graceful turns, and a smooth rise-and-fall action.
Today, Foxtrot is popular at weddings, social events, and ballroom competitions.
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Origin: United States, especially New York City
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Era: 1910s
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Music: Jazz, swing, and big band; Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald
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Tempo: Approximately 112–120 BPM
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Timing: Slow, slow, quick, quick
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Style family: American Smooth and International Standard
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Difficulty: Beginner to advanced
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Best for: Weddings, formal events, and ballroom enthusiasts
What Makes Foxtrot Different
Foxtrot’s signature is its smooth, unhurried travel across the ballroom. Partners maintain a comfortable frame while using long walking steps, controlled turns, and subtle rise and fall to create the appearance of floating. From across the room, the continuous gliding movement is what stands out most. American Foxtrot may include open positions and expressive arm styling, while International Foxtrot generally maintains a closed hold and demands more precise body flight. Compared with Waltz, Foxtrot uses flexible slow and quick timing rather than a three-beat rhythm.
What You’ll Learn in a Foxtrot Class
- Your first lesson: Learn the walking action, slow-slow-quick-quick timing, ballroom frame, and basic movement needed to dance through a complete song.
- Your first few months: Develop progressive steps, rock turns, promenades, leading and following skills, partner connection, and safe floorcraft.
- Going further: Refine musicality, continuity, footwork, rise and fall, body flight, open styling, and the confidence to navigate social or competitive floors.
No partner is required, and partners rotate during group classes.
Is Foxtrot Right for You?
- Total beginner: Start with an approachable ballroom foundation through Waltz dance lessons.
- Wedding couple: Create an elegant first dance with personalized wedding dance lessons.
- Social dancer: Practice Foxtrot in a welcoming setting at our social dance parties.
- Serious student: Build precise technique with personalized private dance lessons.
Foxtrot Classes Near You
Learn Foxtrot through private lessons, rotating group classes, and social practice opportunities at Dance With Me studios. Group schedules vary by location, while private Foxtrot lessons can be tailored to your experience and goals.
New York
New Jersey
Texas
- Foxtrot lessons in Austin
- Foxtrot lessons in Fort Worth
- Foxtrot lessons in Houston
- Foxtrot lessons in Southlake
- Foxtrot lessons in The Woodlands
Georgia
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Connecticut
Find a Dance With Me studio near you →
Learn More About Foxtrot
Foxtrot FAQs
Do I need a partner to learn Foxtrot?
No partner is needed to learn Foxtrot at Dance With Me. Your instructor can dance with you during private lessons, and partners frequently rotate in group classes.
Is Foxtrot good for beginners?
Foxtrot is suitable for beginners because its fundamental walking movements feel natural and its basic rhythm can be learned progressively. Instructors adapt the pace to your experience and goals.
What should I wear to a Foxtrot class?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement and secure shoes with smooth soles. Dance shoes are helpful but unnecessary for your first Foxtrot lesson; avoid sticky rubber-soled footwear.
Can we learn Foxtrot for our wedding?
Foxtrot can be an elegant wedding dance for jazz standards, big-band songs, and timeless romantic music. Your instructor can simplify or customize the choreography for your song, venue, and experience.
Start Dancing
Ready to try Foxtrot? Book your first lesson at a Dance With Me studio — no partner or experience required.
