5. THE ONE STEP

Quite a few years ago, popular music was often played in a very fast two-four tempo. Such music resembled a march, and in order to follow its rhythm, the dance, now known as the One Step, was created. The One Step means that one step follows the other without a change in rhythm.

Since this type of music is not popular today, the One Step has become obsolete. However, certain movements and floor patterns were established in the One Step which can be most effectively used when dancing the Fox Trot. That is why we are including this dance here, because to employ the One Step principle with your Fox Trot is a means of giving extra variety to your dancing.

When Fox Trot music is played very slowly, you may desire more action in your dance than the conventional steps of the Fox Trot can give you. Thus you can do a series of eight quick steps, then resume your original combination of slow and quick steps. This sudden doubling up of the rhythm will enable you to add a zest, life, and sparkle to the Fox Trot which it does not have when the music is too slow.

The same method of doubling the rhythm for eight consecutive quick steps can also be used in the Tango. The only time you should not use it is when the floor is crowded and you may risk running into others by your sudden change of tempo.

As long as your partner can follow you, put constant variety into your dancing, but be careful not to embarrass her by trying steps which she cannot follow. With a little experience you can easily tell, after the first few measures of music, how skillful your partner is. Remember, dancing should be fun, but it can only be real fun when it is equally enjoyed by both partners.

ONE STEP (Illustrating Girl's Pivot Turn)

BOY'S PART:

							GIRL'S PART: Girl does opposite of boy until she reaches Count 5. She then starts backward pivot turn to left on Counts 5, 6, and 7 as boys holds her hand overhead. She rejoins her partner on Count 8.

GRAPEVINE PRINCIPLE (As used in One Step)

			NOTE FLOOR PATTERN
								START

BOY'S PART:

GRAPEVINE PRINCIPLE (As used in One Step)

			NOTE FLOOR PATTERN

GIRL'S PART:

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