Quick Scoop

A foxtrot is a smooth ballroom dance with long, flowing steps, usually danced in 4/4 time. It can also refer to the code word for the letter **F** , or, in horse terminology, a short broken trotting gait.

What it means

• In dance, the foxtrot is a formal partner dance that combines slow and quick steps.

• It is known for its elegant, gliding feel and is often danced to big band or jazz music.

• In dictionary usage, “foxtrot” can also mean the music for that dance.

Why it’s called that

The dance is commonly linked to entertainer Harry Fox, whose trotting steps helped popularize it in the early 1900s. Over time, the style evolved into the smoother ballroom version people recognize today.

Simple example

A basic foxtrot might feel like: slow, slow, quick, quick, with smooth travel across the floor rather than bouncy movement.

TL;DR: Most people mean the ballroom dance when they say “foxtrot.”

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