Quickstep is the fastest of the smooth ballroom dances, built on light, bouncy footwork and quick changes of direction that give it an unmistakable energy on the floor. Descended from a blend of fast foxtrot and elements of the Charleston, quickstep rewards dancers who can combine sharp technique with a playful sense of musicality. Here’s a look at the figure progression from beginner basics to advanced syncopations.
Beginner Quickstep Figures
Because quickstep moves quickly, beginners typically start with simplified versions of its core traveling steps before adding turns and syncopations.
- Quarter Turns – basic turning steps that rotate the couple in small increments
- Progressive Chasse – a traveling side step that’s a building block for many quickstep figures
- Forward Lock Step – a locking step that adds a syncopated crossing action while traveling forward
- Natural Turn – a basic clockwise turning figure
- Closed Impetus – a turning figure that transitions the couple’s frame smoothly
Intermediate Quickstep Figures
Once basic turns and lock steps feel comfortable, intermediate figures add more rotation and traveling power around the floor.
- Natural Turn with Hesitation – a turning figure with a brief pause for musical emphasis
- Running Finish – a fast traveling combination that closes out of a turning figure
- Cross Chasse – a side step with a crossing action that adds flow between figures
- Tipple Chasse – a syncopated turning combination popular for changing direction quickly
- V6 (Change of Direction) – a compact combination used to reverse the line of dance
Advanced Quickstep Figures
Advanced quickstep work leans heavily on syncopation, quick footwork changes, and dramatic use of rise and fall.
- Fishtail – a syncopated crossing figure shared with foxtrot but danced at quickstep tempo
- Quick Open Reverse – a fast turning figure that opens the couple’s frame mid-turn
- Zig-Zag – a syncopated combination that changes direction sharply across the floor
- Running Right Turn – an extended turning figure that travels quickly around the floor
- Six Quick Run – a rapid straight-line run used to cover ground between turning figures
What Makes Quickstep So Demanding
Quickstep’s tempo is significantly faster than waltz or foxtrot, which means dancers need sharp footwork, strong core control, and excellent partnership timing to keep the dance looking smooth rather than rushed. The light, bouncy quality that defines good quickstep technique comes from precise footwork and timing rather than simply moving fast—a common mistake for newer dancers is speeding up their steps instead of staying light and controlled.
Building Toward Quickstep
Because of its speed and technical demands, quickstep is often introduced after dancers have some foundation in foxtrot, since many of its traveling steps and turning shapes share DNA with foxtrot’s slower patterns. Solid frame and timing developed in foxtrot translate directly into faster, more confident quickstep footwork.
Ready to give quickstep a try? Browse ballroom dance classes by city to find lessons near you, and visit the blog for more figure lists and technique guides.