Quickstep
Ballroom's fast-and-bouncy dance — like Foxtrot on espresso. Originated in England · 1920s. Typically danced around 192-208 BPM (very fast).
About Quickstep
- Ballroom (DanceSport)
- England
- 1920s
- 192-208 BPM (Very fast)
- Partner
- Intermediate
Fast, bouncy evolution of the Foxtrot fused with Charleston rhythms; 4/4 at ~50 bars/minute; chassés, quarter-turns, and hop-and-skip figures.
What to expect: Lots of hops, runs, locks. Played to fast big-band swing music. Athletic and joyful.
Lineage
Roots
Where to find Quickstep events
We don't have verified quickstep events on the calendar right now. Check the full event feed for related styles, or submit one if you organize.
Going for the first time
Ballroom socials rotate through multiple dances each night — waltz, foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha, hustle, nightclub two-step. Many include a lesson up front. Studios often host their own socials; community events are friendlier to beginners than competition prep.
Ladies follow leads in line of dance; gentlemen lead. Modern socials are loosening these conventions, but the room culture still expects you to ask before joining a couple already on the floor.