Quickstep


The quickstep is a light-hearted dance of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to make it suitable for both formal and informal events. Quickstep was developed in the 1920s in New York City and was first danced by Caribbean and African dancers. Its origins are in combination of slow foxtrot combined with the Charleston, a dance which was one of the precursors to what today is called swing dancing.

History

The quickstep evolved in the 1920s from a combination of the foxtrot, Charleston, shag, peabody, and one-step. The dance is English in origin and was standardized in 1927. While it evolved from the foxtrot, the quickstep now is quite separate. Unlike the modern foxtrot, the leader often closes his feet, and syncopated steps are regular occurrences. Three characteristic dance figures of the quickstep are the chassés, where the feet are brought together, the quarter turns, and the lock step.p126
This dance gradually evolved into a very dynamic one with much movement on the dance floor, with many advanced patterns including hops, runs, quick steps with much momentum, and rotation. The tempo of quickstep dance is rather brisk, as it was developed to ragtime era jazz music, which is fast-paced when compared to other dance music.
By the end of the 20th century the complexity of quickstep as done by advanced dancers had increased, with the extensive use of syncopated steps with eighth note durations. While in older times quickstep patterns were counted with "quick" and "slow" steps, many advanced patterns today are cued with split beats, such as "quick-and-quick-and-quick, quick, slow", with there being further steps on the 'and's.

Style

The quickstep is elegant like the foxtrot and should be smooth and glamorous. The dancers should appear to be very light on their feet. It is very energetic and form-intensive.
The quickstep is danced to 4/4 music of 48-52 measures per minute.

Syllabus

The two International Style syllabi of ISTD and IDTA for quickstep differ very little.
The American Style dance competition program does not include quickstep, but a limited version of the dance is taught and danced socially in some American dance venues.

Pre-bronze

  1. Quarter turn to right
  2. Natural turn
  3. Natural turn with hesitation
  4. Natural pivot turn
  5. Natural spin turn
  6. Progressive chassé
  7. Chassé reverse turn
  8. Forward lock
  9. Heel pivot

    Bronze

  10. Closed impetus
  11. Back lock
  12. Reverse pivot
  13. Progressive chassé to right
  14. Tipple chassé to right
  15. Running finish
  16. Natural turn and back lock
  17. Double reverse spin
  18. Zig-zag, back lock, and running Finish
  19. Cross chassé
  20. Change of direction
  21. Scatter Chassé

    Silver

  22. Quick open reverse
  23. Fishtail
  24. Running right turn
  25. Four quick run
  26. V6
  27. Closed telemark

    Gold

  28. Cross swivel
  29. Six quick run
  30. Rumba cross
  31. Tipsy to right
  32. Tipsy to left
  33. Hover corté