Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that premiered in the early 20th century and was popularized by dancers, Vernon and Irene Castle. Arthur Murray and other dance studios standardized the dance in the 1940's when it became one of the most popular dance genres. There are two categories of Foxtrot, American and International style. International is more popular for Dancesport competitions and in Europe. The American style Foxtrot belongs to the group of dances titled "smooth dances" along with the waltz, tango and Viennese waltz.
The smooth dances move around the floor in a counter clockwise direction using flight. Sometimes the term slow foxtrot is used to refer to International style foxtrot, which uses a slower tempo than American style foxtrots. The foxtrot is an excellent dance genre for the slower tempo music in 4 beats. It uses two rhythm units alternating six and eight count patterns, figures or movements. Breaking from the rhythm is also a common practice, for example, using all quicks or slows.
The foxtrot was wildly popular during the big band era when huge ballrooms with beautiful hardwood floors were more common place. It continued to be popular in the 1950's with singers like Frank Sinatra and the Tony Bennett and continues to be popular today. Michael Buble is a contemporary singer who sings a variety of songs that are perfect for foxtrot dancing. The foxtrot is also one of the most popular dance genres for wedding dance couples since it is a smooth, medium tempo form of dancing and fits many of the slower more romantic contemporary songs.
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