4. THE FOX TROT

Fox Trot is hardly a descriptive title, as indeed this dance, which seems to hold the fundamental principles of modern dances, is most unlike a trot. Indeed it is a smooth, easy dance and the most dignified of modern dances.

At first you may regret the lack of elasticity in the muscles. But patience must come with practice, and with it, too, that feeling of ease which makes accomplishment easier and assured. Remember that dancing after all is merely walking; walking, that is, with the knees bent at a slightly more acute angle than usual.

In taking the walking steps between variations, as described, let it be a long and slightly "springy" step, of, say, the length of your foot, with a reaching sort of movement. You will find that this gives a dancing character to the step at once. Step, touching the ball of the foot first, resting naturally on the heel.

The beginner should feel perfectly at ease, and in practicing the dances, herein simplified, the first essential is the study of time, as shown in the following steps.

If you have a self-playing musical instru- ment play a fox trot; but first study and learn the few simple movements which directly apply to what we are trying to accomplish. At first we will tax the muscles of the leg and set the knee of the same into action beyond what it has been accustomed to. Stand for first position, heels together, toes pointed out; slide left foot to side and count one; close up right foot to close position, count two; slide left foot to left, count three; close right to left, count four — this is just four movements to the left side ending with the weight on the left foot — the right foot being free; repeat by sliding right foot to right side, count one; close left to right, count two; slide right foot to side, count three; close left foot, count four.

After you have tried this movement several times from left to right you are studying the movement of the feet that is necessary and at the same time studying tempo, or time, in a simplified way. After this is acquired, put on a fox trot record and try these steps to music. Beginning with the first part of the strain step to left, count one; close up right, count two; step to left, count three; close up right, count four; step to right, count one; close left foot, count two; step to right, count three; close up left, count four.

The Fox Trot is danced to 4/4 time — in four measures of music there are eight beats. The space marked by the upright lines across the staff, or the parallel lines of music, are called measures. The beat of the music is caught in the bass, the accent that you must note and keep time with your step. In stepping to music count one and two and three and four and (.)

First try a few simple steps without partner; you will readily understand the underlying principle of two people rotating.

Walk four steps forward. Take a full glide step to the left. Count one, close the right foot; count two, slide left foot to side; count three, which will give you a half turn. Glide right foot to side, count one; close left foot, count two; slide right foot to side, count three; — and your weight will be on the right foot.

Having practiced this a while it is time totry with a partner, and the diagrams concern us from now on. DANCING MADE EASY

Progressing toward the right, you find you have made four gliding steps. For the first the gentleman turns around the lady, in the second gliding step the lady turns around the gentleman, and in the fourth gliding step you have made two complete turns.

Starting with the left foot, the gentleman takes four steps forward, a full reachingstep; count one and two and three and four and — (diagram 3). The lady steps back on the right foot, four full steps, count one and two and three and four and — (diagram 3).

On the fourth step the gentleman has the weight on the right foot. Glide the left foot to side and incline to turn to the right; count one (4), draw right foot to left side; count two (5), slide left foot to side; count three (6) — that gives the gentleman a half turn to the right.

In this measure the gentleman turns around the lady at the same time the lady glides the right foot to right side, inclines to turn to right; count one, draw left foot to right; count two, slide right foot to side, count three; at this point you have made a half turn as shown in diagram (6).

The gentleman having started to turn to the right, keeps into the swing of the turn. Glide right to the side (7), still inclining towards the right; count one (7). Draw left foot to right, count two (8) and slide right foot to side, count three (9). The lady glides the left foot to side, inclining to the right, count one, draw right foot to left, count two and slide left foot to side, count three — and at this part the lady turns around the gentleman and completes the turn to the right (as shown in the diagram).

Having started the turn and with it momentum, repeat the glide in the same direction, still counting 1-2-3 and 1-2-3 and (•) You will now find that you have made two turns around to the right (as in diagram 9); then repeat full figure.

Second Figure (Turkey Trot) Turning Steps

Take four walking steps same as first figure (10). Then a full glide, turning with the left foot leading. Turn to the right (11- 12-13), count 1-2-3; lady glide the right foot 1-2-3. That will bring you facing the opposite direction. Take three steps (14) back on the beat of the music, 1-2-3, and you will find that this will accent these three steps. Gentleman glides left foot to side around to left, draws right to left and takes weight on right foot, count 3, — making half turn to left (15). Now repeat figure in full.

The Third Figure.—The Forward Glide

Walk two steps, count 1 (left) and 2 (right). Starting with the left foot, leaving the left foot free to take the glide on the left foot, count 1-2-3 (29-)- Lady starts with right foot back one and two and 1-2-3 (29).

Then the gentleman's right is free at the end of the gliding steps, as he has the weight on the left foot. Walk two steps, starting with right foot. Count 1 and 2 and 1-2-3 (30).

This figure can be used four times as shown in the diagram.

In dancing these three figures it is not necessary to follow out this enchainment to any strict degree.

There is no accepted or rigid rule — that is why each dancer seems to be indulging in different steps. They are dancing the Fox Trot but are varying it and adding their own expression. As you become expert you may endeavor to do this too; as you go on you will find that your personality will enter greatly into your dancing, and it is proper that it should.

To sum up: First — the gliding turn is used four times, making two revolutions to the right; Second — the half turn, three quick steps back and half turn; Third — two steps and forward glide used four times. Remember there are always four walking steps used prior to first and second figure. In the third figure use two steps between each glide.

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