The quickstep is the liveliest of the five International Standard dances — a fast, elegant style full of chassés, hops and running steps that demands both precision and exuberance.
The quickstep developed in the 1920s from the foxtrot, combining slow and quick steps at a fast tempo (around 50 bars per minute). It is characterised by a light, bouncy quality, with progressive chassés, runs and hops alongside figures inherited from the foxtrot.
The dance requires considerable energy and athletic control — dancers must maintain the elegance of standard ballroom posture while moving quickly and dynamically around the floor.
Quickstep is taught at ballroom studios across London as part of the International Standard curriculum. It is a popular competitive discipline and also enjoyed as a social dance at ballroom events.
London ballroom schools offer quickstep training at all levels, from beginners learning the basic rhythm to advanced students preparing for competition.
Quickstep classes in London are integrated into standard ballroom training programmes. Beginners learn the quarter turn, progressive chassé and natural spin turn before moving on to more complex choreography.
The dance rewards both precision and personality, making it one of the most entertaining styles to develop at all levels.
The following dance studios and academies in London offer Quickstep classes.
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