The Quick Step is a light hearted dance form and one of the five main ballroom dance forms. The modern Ballroom Quick Step is a blend of a variety of dance styles like the Foxtrot which was a rage in the 1920s and is just as popular, and the Charleston, a dance form that is one of the precursors to swing dancing. In fact, it has been influenced by many more dance forms as compared to others. Apart from the Foxtrot and Charleston, you will find elements of the waltz, one step, black bottom, shag, Chase G Chug, Peabody, March, and many others.
Quick hops, runs and steps
The Quick Step is primarily English in origin and was standardized in 1927. Ever since its introduction, the dance style has evolved into a dynamic one with plenty of movement across the dance floor. Since it was developed during the era of ragtime jazz, the movement is fast paced and involves hops, runs and steps in rapid succession with plenty of rotation. For the most part, the Quick Step is different even though it evolved from the Foxtrot. Its three main dance figures are the chasses; the quarter turns, the lock step and the point where the feet are brought together.
A variety of dance patterns
Like many other dance forms, the dance patterns of the Quick Step have also evolved. The original Quick Step follows a “quick” (one beat) and “slow” (two beats) steps, there are several variations with split beats such as “quick-and-quick-and-quick, quick, slow”, and many more. The slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick pattern requires that you have a good sense of balance. Your heel remains on the ground during the slow moves while the ball of your foot remains on the ground during the quick moves. The Quick Step is elegant like the Foxtrot, but the key is to be very light on your feet, which makes it one of the most energetic forms of ballroom dance. It’s all about having a springy, happy feel.
The dos and don’ts
There’s a lot more to the Quick Step than learning the steps. Make sure to dress comfortably. While heels are essential for a woman, avoid very high heels that could land you in hospital. The dance form is all about fast and light movements so avoid being heavy footed and stomp around, which could spoil the whole routine for your partner. Good orientation is vital, so make sure you know where you should be stepping on the dance floor. Always move in an anti-clockwise direction on the floor. If you are still a novice, stay away from the center of the dance floor, since that’s reserved for the advanced dancers. Most importantly, have fun, enjoy the dance and keep up that relaxed expression.