Fox-trot: a bit of history

The fox-trot is a set of two words that literally mean “trot of the fox” and is a dance originated in America that comes from black music and ragtime. Ragtime was a popular music played by pianists in American clubs around 1800. From this sound was born what we all know as Jazz, which generated itself the Fox-trow that is still danced today.

It is not known where the Fox-trot’s name comes from, but it is thought to be linked to the actor Harry Fox, its inventor around 1913, who danced it in New York clubs with his wife.

The dance was immediately successful and was exported all over the world, arriving in England, where the American Fox trot was completely upset. From this change two different types of dance were generated:

• The Slow Fox: particularly appreciated by American lovers, it is a slow version, celebrated by Frank Sinatra.
• QuickStep: at the antipodes of the Slow Fox, this variant provides very fast rhythms and a union with other typical dances of the time such as Charleston and Shang.

Are you looking for dance shoes?

Visit our shop!

How do you dance Fox-Trot?

Fox-trot is a couple dance characterized by long steps that follow the outside profile of the dance floor. The partner’s movements need to be simultaneous, feet often together and heel-to-sole push. 

The basic step involves starting with the feet together; the man takes one step with his left foot, followed by the woman, who will respond stepping back with the right foot. The man will take a further step forward with his right foot and the woman will consequently take another step back with her left. At this point, the side steps begin: left for the man, right for the woman. At the end, both need to quickly bring their feet back together, as it was at the beginning of the dance. Obviously the first step is only the beginning of a dance that includes more or less complex figures, turns and promenades.

Dancers’ feet are always under painful training; for this reason, Romy Dance wants to provide you with quality shoes with excellent comfort, ideal not only for competitions but also for training and teaching. As a company, we collaborate with international dancers and schools.

Are you looking for dance shoes?

Visit our shop!