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Discofox

Your guide to one of the most popular couple dances


Discofox - a dance that no party should miss. It is versatile, easy to learn and incredibly fun. In this comprehensive guide you will learn everything you need to know about discofox. Whether you are a complete beginner or want to improve your technique, here you will find the right tips and tricks to cut a good figure on the dance floor. So grab your dance partner and let's go!

What is discofox?

Discofox is a couple dance that originated in the 1970s during the disco era. It combines elements from various dance styles such as foxtrot, swing and Latin American dances. Discofox is particularly known for its simple basic steps and the large number of turning figures, which makes it one of the most flexible dances. It can be danced to almost any music in 4/4 time - from disco classics to modern pop music.

Due to its versatility and simplicity, the discofox is particularly popular at weddings, parties and in discos. Whether slow ballads or fast beats - with the discofox you are always in time.

How do you dance discofox?

Discofox is one of the easiest couple dances to learn. The basic steps are simple and quick to understand, and after a short time you can combine them with different turns and figures.

Basic steps

The basic step in discofox is based on a 3-step rhythm. Here's how it works:

  1. Step to the side: Start with the left foot and take a step to the left.

  2. Close step: Place the right foot next to the left foot.

  3. Step to the side: Place the left foot to the side again.

Now repeat the whole thing in the other direction:

  1. Step to the side: Place the right foot to the side. 2. Close step: Pull the left foot towards the right.

  2. Step to the side: Take another step with the right foot to the side.

This basic step can be easily adapted and combined with different turns and figures. Once you have internalized the rhythm, you can dance the discofox to almost any song.

The top 10 discofox songs you should know

Music is at the heart of discofox, and choosing the right songs can make all the difference. Here are ten classics and modern hits that go perfectly with discofox:

  1. "You're My Heart, You're My Soul" – Modern Talking

  2. "I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor

  3. "Night Fever" – Bee Gees

  4. "Relight My Fire" – Dan Hartman

  5. "Sunshine Reggae" – Laid Back

  6. "Dancing Queen" – ABBA

  7. "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" – ABBA

  8. "Love Is in the Air" – John Paul Young

  9. "Mambo No. 5" – Lou Bega

  10. "A Night to Remember" – Shalamar

These songs offer the perfect beat to show off your discofox skills and rock the dance floor.

Dance figures and turns in Discofox

An essential part of Discofox are the numerous turns and figures that make it so varied. Here are some of the most important:

Right turn

The right turn is one of the first figures you will learn in Discofox. It is danced to two basic steps and brings momentum and dynamism to your dance.

  1. Basic step: Start with the basic step.

  2. Turn: Bring the right foot forward, turn 180 degrees to the right while closing the left foot, and put the right foot forward again.

  3. Basic step: Finish the turn with a basic step to the starting position.

Change of place

The change of place is another popular figure in Discofox, in which the partners change positions. This figure brings variety and makes the dance seem fluid.

  1. Basic step: Start with the basic step.

  2. Change: The leader leads the follower past their right side while both take a step forward.

  3. Return: Both return to the starting position.

Pretzel

The pretzel is a more complex figure, but one that looks incredibly impressive. It requires good coordination and results in a tight, intertwined position of the arms.

  1. Hook: The leader leads the follower into a turn while the arms are intertwined.

  2. Unhook: Both partners turn to release the arms and finish the figure in an open dance position.

Sliding door

The sliding door is a fun and dynamic figure where the partners take turns passing each other sideways.

  1. Change: The leader leads the follower past their right side.

  2. Return: After passing, both swap places, with the leader leading past the right side of the follower.

  3. Repeat: This figure can be repeated as often as you like before returning to the basic step.

The history of disco fox

The origins of disco fox go back to the 1970s, when the disco wave took over dance floors around the world. Disco fox evolved from the foxtrot and other dance styles to offer a simpler and more versatile variation that matched the faster disco rhythms. The dance became particularly popular in Europe, where it quickly became a staple in dance schools and clubs.

In the 1980s, disco fox established itself as a standard dance in dance schools and has since become an integral part of the repertoire of couples' dances. It is still very popular today and is danced at both parties and dance competitions.

The health benefits of disco fox

Dancing is not only a great way to have fun, but also an excellent workout for the body and mind. Here are some of the health benefits of discofox:

Physical fitness

Discofox is a great cardiovascular workout that improves endurance and burns calories. The quick steps and turns work many different muscle groups, helping to strengthen and improve posture.

Mental health

Dancing to catchy music releases endorphins that put you in a good mood and reduce stress. Plus, learning new moves and dancing to the beat promotes mental flexibility and concentration.

Coordination and balance

Discofox requires good coordination and balance, which can help improve agility and reduce the risk of falls in everyday life.

The perfect outfit for discofox

A good outfit can greatly enhance the dance experience. Here are some tips on how to dress stylishly and comfortably for discofox:

Shoes

The right shoes are a must for discofox. Choose dance shoes with a smooth sole that makes it easier to turn but at the same time offers enough grip to stand safely on the dance floor. Dance shoes made of leather or suede are ideal.

Clothing

When dancing discofox, you should wear clothes that allow freedom of movement and look chic at the same time. For women, dresses or skirts that swing along with the flow are a good choice. Men can opt for comfortable pants and shirts that are both stylish and functional.

Accessories

Accessories such as ties, hats or jewelry can add the finishing touch to your outfit. However, make sure that they do not hinder or disturb you while dancing. Nor should they be too heavy so that you can move freely.

Conclusion: Discofox - the perfect dance for every occasion

Discofox is an incredibly versatile and entertaining dance that is suitable for every occasion. Whether at weddings, parties or in the disco - with Discofox you are always in time and ready to conquer the dance floor.

If you're interested in learning discofox or improving your skills, why not find a dance partner right away? On Lets-Dance you can easily find the right partner for your discofox adventures. So what are you waiting for? Get on the dance floor and let the music set your rhythm!

Video Preview - Discofox
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