How did Quickstep get invented?

Question

What's the story of the invention of Quickstep (a Ballroom dance)?

Answer 1

The Quickstep evolved in the 1920s from a combination of the Foxtrot, The Chase G Chug, Charleston, Shag, Peabody, and One-Step. The dance is English in origin, and was standardized in 1927. While it evolved from the Foxtrot, the Quickstep now is quite separate. Unlike the modern Foxtrot, the man often closes his feet and syncopated steps are regular occurrences (as was the case in early Foxtrot). Three characteristic dance figures of the Quickstep are the chassés, where the feet are brought together, the quarter turns, and the lock step.[1]p126



This dance gradually evolved into a very dynamic one with a lot of movement on the dance floor, with many advanced patterns including hops, runs, quick steps with a lot of momentum, and rotation. The tempo of Quickstep dance is rather brisk as it was developed to ragtime era jazz music which is fast-paced when compared to other dance music.



By the end of the 20th century the complexity of Quickstep as done by advanced dancers had increased, due to the extensive use of syncopated steps with eighth note durations. While in older times quickstep patterns were counted with "quick" (one beat) and "slow" (two beats) steps, many advanced patterns today are cued with split beats, such as "quick-and-quick-and-quick, quick, slow", with there being further steps on the 'and's.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quickstep

http://www.centralhome.com/ballroomcountry/quickstep-syllabus.htm

Answer 2

it started back in the '20s in a bar where a jukebox was playing. someone had spilled some everclear on his shoes, then made the mistake while lighting his cigarette, of dropping the still lit match onto his shoes... :D



seriously. it had its origins in africa & the caribbean, but it was refined here.



Cultural Roots

The fast-paced rhythm of the quickstep grew out of 1920s jazz clubs in the United States, which borrowed musical stylings from Africa and the Caribbean. The English added refining touches.



Dance Blend

The quickstep took its steps and holds from other dances including the foxtrot, the Charleston, the Peabody, shag, the one-step and the waltz.



Name Origin

The dance was first known as the "quicktime foxtrot" or "fast foxtrot," after U.S. jazz bands played the foxtrot so fast that dancers had trouble keeping up with the music.



Name Evolution

When Charleston-style kicks were added and the dance began appearing in competitions, the name was lengthened to the "foxtrot, quickstep and Charleston."



English Influence

English dance couple Frank Ford and Molly Spain helped standardize the quickstep by making it a partner dance instead of a solo and by taking out the kicks.



Winning Dance

After premiering their new-and-improved quickstep, Ford and Spain won the 1927 Star Championships dance competition. The characteristic chasse, a series of side steps, was incorporated by 1929.

Answer 3

It was originally a dance from African/Carribean folks. Then it moved into the dance halls of NYC.