4. Side Sway

The Side Sway is a whimsical alternative to the Foxtrot Basic Movement, comprised entirely of sideways movements to the count of SSQQ. The slow counts are side steps with a foot brushing action, and the quick-quick is a side chasse. Sway is used throughout.

Although the Side Sway is not considered a progressive action, if repeated enough times it will result in some degree of progression to the side. However, it is really meant to be danced once or twice at a time for occasional variety, rather than as a means for getting from point "A" to point "B". When it is repeated enough times to be progressive, it is best to be taken with man facing wall, so that the progression is down line of dance.

The Side Sway can be danced without any turn, or turned slightly to the left or right. This is a good alternative to be used on crowded nightclub floors, where the flow of traffic is slow to non-existent. This is the basis for a dance called Nightclub Foxtrot.

As an alternative to the basic SSQQ rhtyhm, the 8-count Box rhythm (SQQ SQQ) can be applied to the Side Sway movement.