Recently there was an interesting and helpful discussion about waltz tempos, relating to the difference between slow and fast waltzes... even suggesting that Arthur Murray recommends 90 bpm for a slow waltz.

Those of you playing for senior dances, do you have similar recommendations for foxtrots... for senior dancing? I've not played these dances yet, but I've attended a few to observe and learn. Seems that very few jitterbug, but instead "foxtrot" everything played in 4/4 time.

As with waltzes, should foxtrots be classed into slow and fast? And if so, at what (best for Sr dancing) tempos? Thx...

Foxtrot 113-117

Shuffle/Swing 124-130

Waltz..Slow Country 100,
Traditional 125-130, Mazurka 140-150, Vienese 160-168

Careful here. 120 is a Slow Foxtrot. A "standard" foxtrot is about 184 but you don't get asked for that!

just to clarify further.. my understanding is that the official ballroom tempo for a slow foxtrot is 120; however my drummer friend reckons this is too fast for non-professionals so actually play 113-117. Similarly a Quickstep is officially 196 but we use about 190.

The keyword here is "Senior Dancing"

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www.donnypesce.com

Atta boy - you TELLEM Donny.
"seasoned" citizens need that little extra edge or they fall over, and can't get up.

I should know I make those Active Adults Dance every night!!!

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www.donnypesce.com

Is it safe to assume that seniors would consider anything slower that 110 bpm (4/4 time) too slow for dancing?

Glenn

http://www.dancemetonight.com/dc_tempos1.htm
http://www.bobjanuary.com/ballroom.htm

Hey ... the skinny guy is back ....

t.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the good links re:tempo and suggested tunes. Very helpful.

Tom J