Continuing my trek through the NATO Alphabet, today’s letter, F is for Foxtrot.

According to Wikipedia, the foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor.

It can also be a horse movement (although I’ve never heard it used with the fox bit), a film, a tv series, a couple of albums, a comic strip and a submarine.  In fact I think most letters of the NATO alphabet can be classes of submarine.

When I was a young girl, there was a popular tv show in the UK called Come Dancing.  There was a bit of reverse snobbery about it (oh- you don’t watch that?).  I suspect this was a manifestation of English class and regional bias.  Blackpool was the centre of the ballroom universe, and one image of the amateur ballroom scene was of girls and their mothers staying up all night after finishing work at the factory to sew the required 10,000 sequins on the dress.  Check out the song “Doreen is Dancing” by Ralph McTell.

Times have changed.  One of the most popular shows these days, occupying the prime early evening slot on Saturday, is Strictly Come Dancing – known as Dancing with the Stars in many other countries.  It’s a pro-celebrity challenge with snide comments from the judges (although some are fair and helpful) and a combination of has-beens and wannabes among the celebs.   Except that some of them are real celebrities switching genres, like top sports stars.  I’m addicted to it – once the first few no-hopers have been eliminated.  The standard of dance is breathtaking, and I find the glitz and glamour very relaxing.

Foxtrot

And of course the foxtrot is one of the dances.  I was taught the basic shape of the dance at a do we had in our village a couple of years ago, and would love to have another go.  Dance is a great way of getting exercise and meeting people.  Even if my brain no longer connects with my feet.

Anyone for a foxtrot?

Picture and further information from Share about Arts

F for Foxtrot
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26 thoughts on “F for Foxtrot

  • 7 April, 2014 at 8:57 am
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    More of a Salsa person myself. Maybe a Tango thrown in for good measure! 😉

  • 7 April, 2014 at 10:35 am
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    I became a Strictly fan after attending dancing classes in the local village a few years ago. The purpose of the classes was more French immersion than the actual dancing, and we haven’t done any since that first term, but we are still hooked on Strictly. Like you, we prefer it once the also-rans are out of the running, and we start to see some (to us) staggeringly good dancing. Without wishing to start a controversy, I have to admit that I shall not be sorry to see Sir Bruce replaced. I have enjoyed him since the late 1950s, but there comes a time…

    • 7 April, 2014 at 11:07 am
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      I think a lot of people are relieved he has decided to bow out. For all sorts of reasons 🙂 Strictly has been nominated for a BAFTA this year (in the Light Entertainment category).

  • 7 April, 2014 at 2:29 pm
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    Love the theme – very creative. I’m glad I found it on my tour of A to Z challenge blogs.

    • 7 April, 2014 at 4:52 pm
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      I’m glad you did too, Susan! Thanks for visiting – and did you see the Giveaway running all month? Click the badge at the top right to go to it 🙂

  • 7 April, 2014 at 3:40 pm
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    Loved this post. Brought back memories of my Dad teaching me how to dance – I went from standing on his feet to learning the foxtrot, waltz and tango. He and my Mom LOVED to dance. I was never as good as either of them, especially since as my husband tells me, I love to lead!

    • 7 April, 2014 at 4:54 pm
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      Isn’t it wonderful how we remember standing on our dad’s feet to dance! I still see little girls doing it at weddings etc. Even if daddy doesn’t really know how to dance 🙂

  • 7 April, 2014 at 4:34 pm
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    Two left feet here. I was lucky to be born in the era of “dance” being just a matter of waving body parts around. Maybe in time to the music. :p

  • 7 April, 2014 at 11:34 pm
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    I love DWTS-I have watched it from Day 1 here in Canada. I can’t get enough and I love the fox trot. It is enjoyable and uplifting

    • 8 April, 2014 at 6:35 am
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      It is, isn’t it! Thanks for visiting, Birgit 🙂

  • 8 April, 2014 at 3:04 am
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    This is such a beautiful dance 🙂

    I’m enjoying your theme, Jemima!

  • 8 April, 2014 at 6:51 am
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    I’m a strictly fan too!! Also hoping I learn my NATO A-Z’s as we go. You’re doing a great job so far.

  • 8 April, 2014 at 1:04 pm
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    I love foxtrot…yup seen it on Dancing with the Stars and SYTYCD…I love to trot solo 😉 Jazz is more my style!

  • 8 April, 2014 at 4:21 pm
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    I’m a DWTS fan. I like all the Latin & ballroom dances …just wish I had the hips for it! 😉

    • 10 April, 2014 at 11:22 am
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      I understand that the hips are results of doing all those wiggles 😀

  • 8 April, 2014 at 6:13 pm
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    I love DWTS, I watch it every season. Wish I could dance as good as they do.

    • 10 April, 2014 at 11:23 am
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      I think we would all love to dance well. Thanks for visiting, Carolyn 🙂

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