Foxtrot

(In 4/4 time)

• First rhythm (Slow-Slow-Quick-Quick.)  Every step group takes 1.5 measures, so you need to do them an even number of times before you can switch to the Second rhythm.

1. Walk: LF forward (S), RF forward (S) walking naturally (heel lead), LF to the left side (Q), RF together (Q).

2. Promenade: put lady in promenade position (arms and shoulders form a diamond) - LF forward (S), RF forward (S) walking naturally (heel lead), LF forward, curving 90 degrees to the right to face partner with parallel shoulders (Q), RF together (Q).

3. Promenade with Natural Turn: after the 1st slow, lift your right hand - the lady turns clockwise (man continues promenade as usual.)

4. Promenade with Reverse Turn: after the 1st slow, lift your right hand and guide it counter-clockwise in front of the lady's face - the lady turns counter-clockwise (man continues promenade as usual.)  Note: this is a much harder turn for the lady, since she is moving in the opposite direction as before, and the turn must be quick!

5. Trouble Step: LF forward (S) - as the LF goes down,  the RF goes up in the air, knees together - then the RF turns 45 degrees before coming down (you turn 45 degrees left)(S).  LF goes paralell to RF, about a foot apart (Q), RF comes together (Q).  Note: if you do two of these together, you turn 90 degrees and you are ready for the second rhythm.

6. Pivot Turn from Promenade: after 2nd slow, man stops and rotates on both tips while lady turns 180° during the Q-Q. Continue with S-S.

• Second rhythm (Slow-Quick-Quick)

1. The Box: LF forward walking naturally (heel lead)(S), RF forward diagonally (Q) so both feet are parallel, about one foot apart - LF right together with RF (Q).  This ends the half-box.  The second half: LF back (S), RF back diagonally (Q), LF right together with RF (Q).  Note: for better style, instead of moving the feet in a diagonal, brush it past the other leg.

2. Natural Turn: after half-box, lift right hand - the lady does a natural turn.

3. Twinkles (diagonals): after half-box, RF goes diagonally across in front to the left (instead of straight back for the 2nd half-box), as you put the lady in promenade position (S) - LF goes left to meet it, about 1 foot apart (Q).  RF together (Q).  Can be repeated, with another half-box, another twinkle, causing the dancers to move diagonally across the dance floor.

4. Offset Breaks (zig-zags):   LF steps diagonally to the right, as the lady goes back on 45 degree angle (S), RF meets it, about one foot part (Q), LF together (Q)..  Do the same, to the other side.  Can be repeated, causing the dancers to move in a zig-zag across the dance floor.

5. Left turn: LF forward (S), RF forward turning 90 degrees to the left, in front of the LF.  The rest is the same as the regular box, but looks very impressive!:)

6. The Beanbag: start twinkle (1-4), then instead of joining LF with RF, cut across lady, releasing both hands, and placing left hand on her back.  Make quick turn to right into counter promenade position and step forward with RF (lady does symmetrical move.  Step through on LF (inside).  Lady steps across, like man did, as man steps forward on RF as he leads lady across (drops left hand, place right on her back).  Bring lady into promenade position with right hand lead (open) stepping forward on left.  Step forward on RF (inside). Step to side on LF, bringing lady to closed position with strong right hand lead.  Close feet.

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Ó 2003-2004 Carlos Escolar