The dance is difficult to master because of it's extreme speed and both partners have to be quick and light on their feet. When performed by accomplished dancers, you are watching rhythmic power and coordinated action.
When the dancers stop for their footwork, it is so fast that the feet appear to be barely touching the floor. The upper body posture maintains elegance throughout.
Quickstep music is usually jazz or swing with a brisk tempo. It is truly an amazing dance to watch but hell to perform. I used to come off the floor with sweat dripping all over my beautiful gown.
The video below is an example of a Quickstep performed at a competition.
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This makes me think of the dance scene in Cheaper by the Dozen where the father and daughter are going to town on the high school gym floor. The father was played by Clifton Webb. I recently learned that he was a ballroom dancer. Would love to see a clip of him in action.
ReplyDeleteSu-sieee
DeleteI remember the movie but not the dance scene. Actually I don't really remember much about the movie, just that they had a lot of kids. I didn't know Clifton Webb was a dancer. When I think about it, he looks like a dancer.
Wow the quicker they go the quicker I'd fall down.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
DeleteFalling down early is prob. the best thing to do. It's a dang tiring dance. John, you must get up really early too.
Oooh I like this!!! I find this an exciting dance...love it! but, no way could I ever do something like this.
ReplyDeleteturquoisemoon
ReplyDeleteQuickstep has become a dance that is also rarely seen on the social dance floor, although it blends well with some of the fast swing and you do need a large ballroom to dance it.
Those steps are way to quick for me but it looks like a really fun dance once you learn it.
ReplyDeleteTerry
DeleteIt is hard because of the long strides and it is a hot and sweaty dance. Dancing actually looks nice from a distance but close up you see the sweat and hear the puffing. (and occasionally swearing) haha
The woman, having to race backwards with those long strides, amazing!
ReplyDeleteBish
DeleteThat is why it's important to have bodies match up. Men usually have short legs compared to women. If the man is short and has short legs and the woman is tall, it doesn't work. I was so fortunate because my last partner had long legs (so do I) and we could take enormous steps. On smooth dances, I think the tall couple has the advantage and gets noticed by the judges but on Latin, the opposite is true.
They make it look effortless, and it's a beauty, but it makes me tired just looking at it. :)
ReplyDeleteRosey
DeleteAs couples get older, I notice they can do the quickstep around the floor in half time and they look almost as elegant as the ones that whizz by.
Their feet are barely touching the ground. They almost remind me of gazelles.
ReplyDeleteRobin
DeleteI never thought of that. Ha ha They really do.
O.k, first off...how do they not get tangled up in those gowns and, secondly, how do they not run into each other??
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed!
For me, I'd have to file this under "S" for Slowstep :)
Mark
DeleteThe gowns kinda take care of themselves but not to crash and burn takes constant vigilance. To prevent crashes, the man is the one who dances facing forward. In spite of this,they sometimes do crash and when they crash in the quickstep, "they crash big."
I am exhausted just watching this! They were flying! Flying over the floor!
ReplyDeleteSusan
DeleteIt's a dangerous dance with everyone going at breakneck speed.
Watching Dancing with the Stars at least lets me know what you're talking about. :) This takes a great deal of talent. I can't imagine how anyone can dance that fast.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rest of the challenge.
http://www.thebusymomsdaily.com/2013/04/blogging-from-to-z-april-challenge_19.html
Cheryl
DeleteThanks for visiting. The dancers have years of practice and lead up to the fast speed, slowly. But on DWTS they only have a week to practice.
This must be one of the most fun dances to watch, but I see what you mean about performing it.
ReplyDeleteInger
DeleteIt's almost like a car race the way they zoom around the floor.
That is my favorite dance to watch. I love the energy.
ReplyDeletePatti
DeleteIt is exciting and when the dancers get to the level of the ones in the video the room is filled with high energy. Thanks for stopping by.
More news for me. I've heard of the Foxtrot and the Quickstep but didn't know they were the same dance at different speeds. Did I mention once before that my in-laws did ballroom dancing? I'd see them at local dances when hubby and I were still only engaged or newly married and they were lovely to watch on the floor.
ReplyDeleteRiver
DeleteOh how nice to have whole families dancing. I can't think of a better recreation to share with your loved ones. I bet they were good dancers too.. Many years back, just about everyone danced and the ballrooms were large.
holy dance shoe, I so would throw up after 4 seconds, that is so much twirling and spinning, that is so impressive!
ReplyDeletePoke the Rock
DeleteOh please don't throw up. You'd miss all the fun. LOL