Foxtrot Prep Step
The Prep Step is not a figure (and is thus not normally listed in the Syllabus), but a way of commencing Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. The purpose of the Prep Step is for the Man to ensure the Lady is following his movement and on the correct foot, and also to initiate movement in order that the following figure may be danced smoothly.
Although the Prep Step differs among Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep in Timing, Rhythm, Alignment, and Direction, the movement is essentially the same.
Go to the Waltz Prep Step
Go to the Quickstep Prep Step
Man
Commence in Closed Position, facing DC
| Step_# | Steps | Turn | Alignment | Moving |
| 1 | LF to side, wide step | Body turns to R | Facing DC | DC against LOD |
| 2 | RF to side, wide step, then brush LF to RF | Body turns to L | Facing DC | DW |
| 3 | LF fwd | Facing DC | DC |
| Step_# | Timing | Rhythm | Position | Rise & Fall | Sway | Footwork |
| 1 | 1234 | S(S) | Closed | i/e of foot to WF | ||
| 2 | 12 | S | Closed | i/e of foot to WF | ||
| 3 | 34 | S | Closed | Lower e/o 3 | HT |
1) Although it is possible to commence at other alignments, the alignment given in the charts is almost always used
Lady
Commence in Closed Position, backing DC
| Step_# | Steps | Turn | Alignment | Moving |
| 1 | RF to side, wide step | Body turns to R | Backing DC | DC against LOD |
| 2 | LF to side, wide step, then brush RF to LF | Body turns to L | Backing DC | DW |
| 3 | RF back | Backing DC | DC |
| Step_# | Timing | Rhythm | Position | Rise & Fall | Sway | Footwork |
| 1 | 1234 | S(S) | Closed | i/e of foot to WF | ||
| 2 | 12 | S | Closed | i/e of foot to WF | ||
| 3 | 34 | S | Closed | Lower e/o 3 | TH |
1) Although it is possible to commence at other alignments, the alignment given in the charts is almost always used
Following Figures
N.B. Although it is possible to follow the Prep Step with other figures, the Feather Step danced toward DC is almost universally employed as the figure following a Prep Step in Foxtrot
| Ended Facing DC | As described in the charts above |
| PreBronze | Feather Step |
| Ended Facing DW | |
| PreBronze | Feather Step; Natural Turn |
| Bronze | Natural Weave |
| Silver | Natural Telemark; Hover Cross |
| Gold | Natural Twist Turn; Natural Twist Turn with Weave Ending; Natural Twist Turn with Closed Impetus & Feather Finish Ending; Natural Twist Turn with Open Impetus Ending; Curved Feather to Back Feather; Natural Hover Telemark |
