Maybe your instructor has finally talked you into performing at the next studio Showcase. Or, it could be that you have danced in front of an audience many times. Either way, it’s a great idea to consider challenging yourself by dancing the Quickstep in a Showcase recital.

The Quickstep became popular in New York City in the 1920s. Some say it’s a blend of Foxtrot, Charleston, and Peabody. It became an International Style competitive dance in 1927. Learn about the differences between competitive and Showcase style ballroom dancing in this Dance Safari post, “Partner Dancing – Social, Competitive, and Showcase.“

As you can imagine, Quickstep is a fast dance with a tempo of between 192 and 208 beats per minute (bpm). In comparison, Foxtrot’s tempo is 120 – 136 bpm. However, Quickstep isn’t the fastest ballroom dance. Peabody clocks in at 240 – 248 bpm and a peppy Balboa’s tempo is between 195 – 340 bpm.

Dancing Quickstep at Showcase

First of all, a studio Showcase is nothing more than a dance recital for (mostly) grownups. It gives you a chance to learn a fun routine where you can tell a story with your dancing. When it comes to choosing a Showcase dance, Quickstep has a lot going for it.

Your Showcase routine will include many of the same moves of competitive Quickstep. But, one difference is, in competition the couple must maintain body contact throughout the dance. Not so in a performance. It’s more like a dance routine in a Broadway show.

Music, Steps, Speed, Etc.

• Your Quickstep routine can be done to many different styles of music. Some dancers like the 1920s Jazz and Ragtime songs, while others prefer more recent rock and pop music. Anything goes as long as it’s quick, upbeat, and playful. As an example, check out The Speakeasy Three singing When I Get Low I Get High.
• The Quickstep has cool steps like runs, flicks, lock steps, and flying leaps. Add to that lots of turns and spins, as well as some Charleston patterns and you’ll be moving at a pretty good clip.
• Although dancing fast may be a challenge at first, with practice you’re gonna ace it.
• By the way, when you’re performing a Quickstep, you have lots of costume options. Depending on the routine and the music, look for clothes from 1920s Flappers, 1930s Zoot Suits, or something Lindy Hoppers might have worn in the 1920s – 1940s. Of course, an elegant ballroom gown similar to what competitive ballroom dancers wear is always appropriate.

One more thing…

If you are someone who is fairly new to ballroom dancing, you might shy away from a Quickstep Showcase routine. But, don’t worry, your instructor will introduce you to the basic dances you need to know to begin dancing Quickstep. He or she will then incorporate steps that will work for you at your current level. One thing is for sure, you’re gonna want a copy of the video to show your friends why Quickstep is a such great dance for Showcase.