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American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by solsysadm
2/1/2010  7:28:00 PM
I am just starting my study of the American Bronze/Social Foxtrot and need to confirm if at the end of step 3 (in the Basic Step) the heel should/should not be placed down. I have one book that lists the step 3 as "toe" only and another book that has it as toe, heel. So which is correct form?

solsysadm

[Cross-posted from Rec.Arts.Dance]
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by Waltz123
2/1/2010  7:34:00 PM
Believe it or not, both technique books are trying to describe the same exact technique -- In fact, there is a third method, TH, BH -- but none of them is a totally accurate description. The problem is the method of documenting the technique, and this is a perfect illustration of one of its shortcomings.

Bronze Foxtrot rise & fall is unique in that the lowering is much earlier than most other side-close actions in the swinging dances. Whereas in Waltz, the rise continues until the feet close, the rise in Bronze Foxtrot hits its peak when the weight is split between the feet, and lowering is complete by the time the feet have closed. If one were to draw the shape of the rise & fall over a series of continuous chasses, it would appear as a series of arcs (like very shallow McDonlads arches), where the bottom points of each arc represent the point of foot closure.

Everybody has a different opinion about how the feet should be described, because it's difficult to be accurate with such an oversimplified description model. The truth is, both heels lower and then touch the floor at exactly the same time, but the description is only capable of addressing the action of one foot at a time. So what you're reading is various differing opinions about what description seems to come the closest. (My personal favorite is TH-BH, which was the Fred Astarie team's attempt to show that the feet are partially lowered by the time the first foot reaches the second).

At any rate, the true answer is (D) None of the Above. But if you absolutely *must* use the generally accepted methods of documentation, then the correct answer would be the one that makes your examiner happy. If you're not taking an exam, then rather than thinking of one foot at a time, just remember that the heels lower together, at the same time and speed. You are at the peak of rise at mid-stride, and fully lowered when they're closed. That's it!

Regards,
Jonathan Atkinson
www.ballroomdancers.com
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by anymouse
2/1/2010  10:29:00 PM
There actually are two different concepts of the dance in use in the real world. The traditional one has this unique and difficult to describe action. The other has a more typical waltz-like closure, though with much less rise.

To say which is right and which is wrong really requires looking at the goals that prompted dancing it in the first place.
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by terence2
2/3/2010  11:28:00 PM
I think the majority of people who get involved with the Amer. style F/Trot think that the basic concept ( which A.M. introduced ) was the ONLY basic form.

The current trend, is a much smoother version ( bronze ) than that which was being taught in the 50/60s.

I feel fairly confident that the Intern. style was in large part responsible for that ( and the style of music being introduced )

If memory serves me, there is ( was ) a soc. of smooth dancers in Calif. dating back to the 30s, that danced a style called the " slickers ?"..

The current form of the Silver standard is a "mirror " of that style, to a large degree.That is not to say that the other "form" didnt become popular.. but.. the Intern. style, again, seems to relate more to that "slicker" style .( it also affected Amer. style waltz)

Like all dances, music changes, and so does " style " . One only has to go back to the late 40s for the real change in music which affected everything we dance today ( going from a 2/4 to 4/4 time sign. in some cases ). Even the variations we danced , in some dances, got "discarded ", as being outdated ,and or not suitable to days concepts .( pity, there was some cute stuff )

Come to think of it, , pretty much all my T/Arg. library, is in 2/4 time .


Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by belleofyourball
2/4/2010  10:05:00 AM
Yes, all Argentine should be 2/4 which is why some people steal the Electro-Tango for International Foxtrot.

The variation in the dancing arises because a couple can select something besides the beat to dance, if the Bandoneon is particulalrly interesting they select it, and almost never will you find that sort of instrument staying with strict 2/4. Or perhaps it is a violin or the piano, or anyway you get the idea. You pick your line and you dance it but still respect the underlying heartbeat of Argentina as they say. It is why you often see such intersting variation on a Milonga floor.

Just a thought. Not really important.
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by Anonymous .com.au
2/3/2010  2:32:00 PM
I know very little about American Smooth Foxtrot. But if on the closing step under discusion. If I have both feet flat on the floor. Can that be right. Surly to move for instance the RF either forward or back I must raise the heel from the floor which would make the footwork THT. It would be much better to copy the International Style and keep the heel off the floor.
Just my thoughts.
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by quickstep7
2/4/2010  3:34:00 AM
Hi!

I often get asked the same question by a lot of students and the answer is whatever suits you best, and what is expected in the exam. To be honest there is no correct/wrong way to do this.

Generally when I was dancing it I placed the heel down sometimes and sometimes I did not. On some level it depended on the music. It will also depend on you, and which ever method enables you to gain a nice swaying action.

It is important to bear in mind that in the Foxtrot we are looking for a nice zigzag motion across the floor, so this has to be thought of as well. What I will say though is you will feel the rise and fall in the Foxtrot as quicker than the Waltz for example. You start of heel-toe-toe and before you know it you have lowered and completed the fall, ready to begin again. Unlike the Waltz the Foxtrot does not require the feet to be brought together and then lowered.

So in answer to your question, I would say it is up to you. For me I go heel-toe-toe-and lower ready to begin a natural turn or whatever.

Hope this helps!
Re: American Smooth Foxtrot - The Basic
Posted by Guest
10/30/2016  2:07:00 PM
Like anonymous I know very little about America Smooth. So in a Waltz as I bring my feet together I am on both toes. I lower the heel of the closing foot after my feet arrive together. I do not lower what is step two on the count of 3 and.
This means although my feet are closed the knee of ( shall we say) the right foot will be forward of my body. It must be if I have lowered to the floor one heel only.
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