How to Dance the Slow Rhythm for Complete Beginners

ballroom footwork technique timing & music

The short answer: the Slow Rhythm is one of the simplest social Ballroom dances, and the perfect first dance if you've never danced before. It has three figures, the Basic Movement, Promenade Walks and Side Taps, counted slow, slow, quick, quick, with eight quicks for the taps. Keep your steps small, master the weight change, and you can dance it at weddings and social events.

What is the Slow Rhythm?

The Slow Rhythm is a very simplified social dance, mainly danced to Slow Foxtrot music. It isn't the same as the Slow Foxtrot, which is a hard dance to start with, but the timing idea is the same. That makes it a great introduction if you feel like you have two left feet.

It also works for most songs that count to four, at almost any tempo, so it's ideal for weddings, parties and social events.

Why does the weight change matter so much?

The man starts with the left foot and the lady with the right. Have that heel just off the floor, ready to go, so you always know which foot you're about to use. That's a huge advantage in dancing.

After each walk, walk, side, close, you should have changed feet, so the man's left foot and the lady's right foot are free again. Understanding the weight change is the real secret to dancing. It comes from perseverance, not talent, and once you have it, it carries into your Waltz, Quickstep, Tango and every other dance.

What are the steps of the Slow Rhythm?

In the video my partner and I dance it to music from 3:50, then I break down each figure. The routine is:

Two Basic Movements: forward, forward, side, close, then back, back, side, close. Slow, slow, quick, quick.
Two Promenade Walks: turn your bodies into a small V and walk down the room: walk, walk, side, close. Slow, slow, quick, quick.
Four Side Taps: step and tap four times, all on quick counts, counted 1 to 8.
Collect and repeat: collect your weight after the last tap, so the man's left foot and the lady's right foot are free to start the Basics again.

Common mistakes

Taking big steps. The bigger you go, the harder it is to keep control and balance. Keep your steps smaller than shoulder width.
Missing the weight change on the close, so you start the next figure on the wrong foot.
Dancing every step at the same speed. The walks are slow and the side steps are quick, quick, and that change of rhythm stops you looking like a robot.
Trying to count the Side Taps as eight quicks and losing track. Count 1 to 8 instead.

Try this in your next practice

Dance the whole routine with small steps, counting out loud. At the end of the Side Taps, lift your free foot: men, your left; ladies, your right. If you can lift it easily, your weight is in the right place and you're ready to start again.

Frequently asked questions

How do you count the Slow Rhythm?

Slow, slow, quick, quick. A slow is two beats of music and a quick is one. The Side Taps are eight quicks, which are easier to count as 1 to 8. The timing is the same for the man and the lady.

Is the Slow Rhythm the same as the Slow Foxtrot?

No. It's danced mainly to Slow Foxtrot music and uses the same timing idea, but it's a much simpler dance, so it's easier for beginners of all ages.

Which foot do you start with?

The man starts with the left foot and the lady with the right foot.

Where can I dance the Slow Rhythm?

At weddings, parties and social events, to most music that counts to four. If you take studio lessons, you can also use it in your medal routines.

What should I learn after the Slow Rhythm?

The Quick Rhythm. It uses the Slow Rhythm as a base to bridge into the Quickstep, one of the most popular Ballroom dances.

Related lessons

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.

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