Quickstep is one of the liveliest dances in the Standard ballroom category, known for its fast tempo, bouncy energy, and playful mix of quick steps and syncopated hops. Because it moves quickly and covers a lot of floor, quickstep can feel intimidating at first, but building a solid list of core figures makes the dance far more approachable. Here is an overview of the essential quickstep figures most dancers learn on their way from beginner to intermediate level.
Foundational Quickstep Figures
Before tackling more advanced patterns, most dancers start with a handful of figures that establish the basic rhythm and footwork of quickstep:
- Quarter Turns: a foundational figure that teaches the basic slow-quick-quick rhythm while rotating around the floor
- Progressive Chasse: introduces the syncopated quick-quick-slow footwork pattern central to quickstep’s character
- Natural Turn: a traveling turning figure that builds on the basic rotation skills learned in quarter turns
- Forward Lock Step: adds a crossing action while traveling down the line of dance, a hallmark quickstep movement
Common Intermediate Figures
Once the basics feel comfortable, dancers typically move on to figures that add more dynamic movement and variety:
- Natural Pivot Turn: a sharp, compact turn often used to change direction efficiently on a crowded floor
- Running Finish: a quick series of steps that adds momentum and flow coming out of a turning figure
- Tipple Chasse: a traveling side step pattern that adds variety to the basic chasse action
- Cross Swivel: introduces a swiveling action on the feet that adds character and syncopation to the dance
- V6: a compact turning figure useful for tighter spaces or crowded social floors
Figures That Add Flair and Musicality
As dancers progress, quickstep offers plenty of room for expressive, musical figures that showcase the playful character of the dance:
- Fishtail: a crossing figure that creates a distinctive visual line while traveling
- Zig Zag: a compact combination that changes direction smoothly without needing much floor space
- Hover Corte: borrowed in spirit from waltz technique, this figure adds a suspended, floating quality to a turn
- Six Quick Run: a fast, syncopated run often used to build energy before a big turning figure
Tips for Learning Quickstep Figures
- Practice the basic slow-quick-quick and quick-quick-slow rhythms without worrying about turns at first, since timing is the foundation of quickstep
- Work on rise through the ankles and a light, bouncy quality rather than heavy, flat-footed steps
- Learn figures at a slower practice tempo before attempting them at full quickstep speed
- Focus on floorcraft, meaning awareness of other couples, since quickstep covers more ground than most other Standard dances and crowded floors require careful navigation
Building Your Own Quickstep Routine
Many social and competitive dancers build a personal repertoire by linking a handful of favorite figures into a flowing sequence, adjusting based on floor space and music. Instructors often recommend mastering a smaller set of figures thoroughly before adding new ones, since clean technique on a few reliable figures will look and feel better than a large repertoire danced sloppily.
Quickstep rewards both technical precision and a light, joyful energy, making it one of the most fun Standard dances to watch and perform once the basic figures feel natural. If you are ready to start learning quickstep or want to refine your existing figures, ballroom dance classes by city can help you find qualified instruction near you, and the blog has more guides on ballroom dance styles and technique.