Box step

Box step is a basic dance step named after the pattern it creates on the floor, which is that of a square or box. It is used in a number of American Style ballroom dances: rumba,[1] waltz,[2] bronze-level foxtrot. While it can be performed individually, it is usually done with a partner. This is the most common dance step in the waltz. In international standard dance competition, there is a similar step called closed change.[3]

Box step

In a typical example, the leader begins with the left foot and proceeds as follows.[2]

  • First half-box: forward-side-together
  • Second half-box: backwards-side-together

Every step is with full weight transfer.[2]

Rhythm varies. For example, it is "1-2-3, 4-5-6" in waltz and "slow quick quick, slow quick quick" in rumba.[1][2]

In other dances (and in variations) the box may start from the left or right foot, either back or forward, or even sidewise. For example, in the quadrado figure of samba de Gafieira the leader steps (starting with the left foot) "left-together-back, right-together-forward".

In waltz

The leader (man) starts with his feet closed. On beat 1 he steps forward with his right foot, then he steps to the side with his left foot on 2, closes his right to his left foot on 3; steps back with his left foot on 4, to the side with his right foot on 5, and closes his left to his right foot on 6. During the second and fifth step the foot is supposed to travel along two sides of the box, rather than along its diagonal.[2]

The follower (lady) also starts with her feet closed. On beat 1 she steps back with her left foot, then she steps to the side with her right foot on 2, closes her left to her right foot on 3; steps forward with her right foot on 4, to the side with her left foot on 5, and closes her right to her left foot on 6.[2]

This dance was featured in an episode of Curious George called "School of Dance". George first saw the Renkins doing it, then he taught it to Bill, the Quints, the Man with the Yellow Hat, and at the end, Allie.[4]

See also
  • Jazz box, a similar footprint pattern, but with cross-steps

References
  1. "Rumba Box". BallroomDancers.com. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
  2. "Left Box (Reverse) Turn". BallroomDancers.com. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
  3. "Closed Changes". BallroomDancers.com. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
  4. "Curious George: Episode Descriptions and Educational Objectives". PBS Parents. PBS. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
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