|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Quickstep Basics

With the boom of dance television shows and competitions, ballroom dancing has increased in popularity and interest. Dancing is an excellent form of exercise, providing cardio and strength workout to the muscles. The quickstep is a type of ballroom dance that necessitates the movement of quick feet and lots of energy.



The quickstep began in the 1920s during the famous Charleston and foxtrot dance crazes. This dance is similar to the foxtrot; it originally was dubbed the Quick Foxtrot. The quickstep requires dancers to maintain an upright form while kicking and moving feet rapidly to the music.

  1. Quickstep Dance Steps

    • This dance is performed to music in a 4/4 time and requires fast movement for the legs. Both the leader and the follower should have an upright, rigid posture throughout the dance. Both partners begin by standing in a closed position, facing each other legs together.

      Step out with the right foot slowly. Step the left foot out quickly and slide the right foot quickly close to the left foot. Quickly step to the left again with the left foot. Then, slowly step backwards with the right foot. With the left foot, step to the left again quickly following with the right foot sliding close to the left. Repeat these basics steps over again throughout the music.

    Quickstep Music

    • It is difficult to dance without the beat and motivation to propel the dancer forward. Any song with a fast 4/4 tempo works for the quickstep. Some classic songs to dance the quickstep to include "Mack the Knife," by Bobby Darin, "I Won't Dance," with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong and "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall. This music will help dancers keep the steps to beat when working on the fundamentals.

    Quickstep on Film

    • Watch a dance to further understand the basics of the quickstep. Fellow dancers, television and movies help beginners understand the basics of the quickstep better. "Shall We Dance" depicts dancers performing the quickstep. Additionally, "Dancing with the Stars" show celebrities learning the quickstep, among other dances. Watching dancing in motion helps the dancer perfect the steps.

Womens Health - Related Articles