Difference Between Waltz and Foxtrot

by Art
(Milwaukee)

My wife and I have been taking ballroom dance at the local high school. We were first taught fox trot and rumba and it seemed like they had a lot of common steps. Now we have had waltz added and I can no longer tell what is distinctive to any one of them. If I can box step in any of them, what's the difference?
Also, how does one dance "to" waltz music? I cannot detect any beat at all. It seems like one just ignores the music and carries on.

Answer: What is the difference between a Waltz and a Foxtrot?

Hi Art, you have asked a very good question that puzzles many new dancers starting out with the traditional American Style box step.

Because learning to dance is a process, it seems at first that the Waltz, Rumba, and Foxtrot are the same. As you progress it will become more clear that the dances each have their own unique character, tempo (speed) and rhythm. You will not be limited to box steps forever!

But for now, the significant difference between a waltz and a foxtrot is the rhythm. The box step is adaptable to both rhythms, as shown below.

Waltz Rhythm

Waltz music has what we call a 3/4 beat, meaning you will hear a repeating rhythm of 1 2 3 , 1 2 3, 1 2 3 throughout the whole song. There will be 3 beats in every bar of music. The 1 or downbeat is a strong beat. The 2 and 3 are weak (upbeats)
You can also try repeating the word "CANT-A-LOPE" over and over. It has three syllables and will fit nicely with Waltz music. (3/4 time)

Examples of Waltz music are: "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone and "Can I Have This Dance" by Ann Murray

Foxtrot Rhythm

The Foxtrot has a repeating rhythm of 4 beats (4/4 time). There will be 4 beats in every bar of music. Again, the strong (downbeat) is on the 1st beat.

The word "WA- ter - MEL - on" has 4 syllables and will fit the rhythm of a Foxtrot or any other 4/4 time music.

Examples of Foxtrot music include "Ain' t That A Kick In The Head" by Dean Martin and "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra

The Box Step for Waltz and Foxtrot

Dance music is often counted in quicks (1 beat) and slows (2 beats.

The Waltz Box Step, in 3/4 time, will therefore be a constant 1, 2, 3 or Quick, Quick Quick.

The steps will be Forward on beat 1 (Quick), Side on beat 2 (Quick) and Close on beat 3 (Quick).

The Foxtrot Box Step, in 4/4 time, will use a Slow, Quick, Quick rhythm.

The steps will be Forward on beat 1 and 2 (Slow), Side on beat 3 (Quick) and Close on beat 4 (Quick).

Practice listening to the example tunes listed above to see if you can recognize the rhythms. You will be an expert in no time!

PS If you don't have access to the practice songs, you can
listen to the clips or download the MP3s here.

If you would like further clarification, or have other questions, just write to me at Ballroom Questions, where all questions are good questions!

Best Regards,
Bonnie