Foxtrot: smooth rhythm and American elegance

Foxtrot is a musical genre and partner dance that emerged in the early 20th century in the United States, influenced by jazz and ragtime. It is characterized by a moderate to fast tempo, usually in 4/4 time, and a combination of slow and quick steps that give the dance a smooth and sophisticated flow. Popularized in the 1910s by jazz orchestras and dancers like Vernon and Irene Castle, foxtrot quickly became a staple of ballrooms and social events. It suits both large orchestras and small ensembles, with styles ranging from energetic swing to the soft charm of slow foxtrot. Foxtrot music is often cheerful, light, and catchy, featuring simple melodies and syncopated rhythms. It influenced many big band artists, such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. Today, foxtrot remains a classic ballroom dance, taught in dance schools around the world, and its music continues to evoke the retro elegance and glamour of the 1930s to 1950s.