5 Tips For Dance Students Who Hate the Foxtrot
This isn't as bad as brussel sprouts when you were six.
In fact, thinking of those round orbs of early dinner table torture... you probably like them now. That same kid that swore those things would give him some rare tropical disease that would make his or her tongue fall off is presently adding brussel sprouts to the dinner menu, drizzled in a honey bacon glaze.
Yes, you've come a long way with brussel sprouts, and, weirdly enough, that vegetable metamorphosis you've been a part of is very similar to the Foxtrot.
Yes, it's the brussel sprouts of the ballroom world, but that doesn't mean it can't become a delicious part of your dance program.
For now, let's say you hate it. Here are some reasons to keep it on your plate.
1. Doesn't Have to be your favorite to be Useful
This just in - your favorite dance is completely safe. There isn't a well constructed plan to sabotage your Cha Cha, Salsa, or Country Western 2 Step. The Foxtrot poses no threat to unseat those, or any other favorite dances you may have.
So, being that this dance poses no risk to the near and dear dances to your heart, it is a fact that Foxtrot can be useful, even if you don't see it as fun or interesting. Not to mention, your teacher is risking a lot by recommending it to you.
2. Efficient Method of Travel
Even if you're now, begrudgingly, learning the dance - here's one thing that's really good to know: Foxtrot teaches you to walk more efficiently. Think about it, how many of the dance you're learning have two, straight forward steps?
You know, the way you'd walk through an airport if you were, moderately, running late for your flight, but not late enough to sprint.
Foxtrot is the best dance for developing that pendulum, cross country skiing, power walking stride with your legs that will keep you outpacing cruising the dance floor, and the airport, in style.
3. Blends into Swing Easy - Like a Knife through Hot Butter
Foxtrot and Swing were a 1-2 punch in the Big Band era. In fact, many swing dancers would use Foxtrot around the edge of the dance floor to catch a breather before they went back to the center for more swing dancing.
The music is interchangeable, and the dances are too.
4. The Dance Evolves... like, a lot
Maybe you're thinking that Foxtrot is boring. Even the sound of the word itself prompts an involuntary eye roll. Normal stuff.
Yet the Foxtrot, as you may know it, is just a cocoon. In time (Bronze 3, to be exact) the dance will evolve into it's matured state where it gets its wings, a little sass, and covers a lot more ground.
(and yes, this article opened with referring to the dance as a vegetable, and now it is drawing a comparison to the metamorphic stages of a butterfly)
5. Use it everywhere
Don't let your pure hatred for the Foxtrot cloud your vision - this is a dance you can use everywhere. Whether it's at your office party, or you are giving away your daughter's hand in marriage, the Foxtrot is on standby, fueled and ready, to serve you in any suit and tie dance situation.
Final Thought
So it doesn't need to be your favorite, you don't even need to like it, but the most important item to remember is that it can be easy to lock in on a few dances, and close any possibility of others - even if they may be incredibly helpful.
Going back to eating as a kid, there were plenty of "discussions" with mom and dad about your personal benefits of a diet exclusively of ice cream, but your parents were smart. They included just enough to expand your palette, just enough to give you the vitamins and nutrients to get you to adulthood, and now you're including brussel sprouts as a side dish pretty regularly.
Foxtrot may not be your favorite, but when you start using it, your teacher will be proud... and you just might enjoy it after all.
