The Tea-Time Foxtrot

COMPILED BY KELLEY MORRIS ADAIR, BOB MOCK, AND CAROL ROSSIGNOL

In an effort to be more inclusive, references to “lady” have been changed to “follow” and references to “man” have been changed to “lead” within the descriptive text. Anyone can learn and enjoy these dance steps, regardless of gender or role. This is especially relevant as tests can now be partnered by same-gender partners. Within the pattern drawings, references to “lady” or “man” remain in place as the graphics are copyrighted by the ISU.

Needless to say, the past year has been more than a challenge for skating coaches across the U.S. One of those challenges is important information regarding the Tea-Time Foxtrot, which was introduced as a new pattern dance by the ISU in April of 2019.

U.S. Figure Skating held a Judges Seminar, hosted by judges Barbara Buch and John Cole, at the Baltimore FSC on April 6, 2019 in Baltimore, MD to deliver and promote the educational material on the Tea-Time Foxtrot to the judging and skating community.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything came to a halt as rinks closed, and training suffered around the world. Due to this unfortunate situation, many coaches missed important information on the development of the Tea-Time Foxtrot.

Here is a brief outline of information that will get you headed quickly in the right direction:

The Tea-Time Foxtrot International Dance Test

The dance was invented by Sylwia Nowak-Trebacka, Natalia Kaliszek, and Maksym Spodyriev of Poland. It was first performed in Obersdorf, Germany in September 2016.

For U.S. Figure Skating testing at the international level, just one pattern is required to be performed. Additionally, all international pattern dances that are partnered are now available for the solo track, including the Tea-Time Foxtrot and Finnstep.

• The dance takes 56 seconds to complete one sequence/ pattern

• It is a slow foxtrot at 27 measures of four beats per minute

• It is 108 beats per minute (four beats faster per minute that the Rocker Foxtrot)

• 4/4 timing

• The pattern is optional

• The steps are choreographed as: slow...quick...quick... slow…quick…quick…slow

The dance should be skated as smooth, effortless, with continuity, and good rise and fall with great posture. While in closed position, the partners should be nearly or lightly touching in the diaphragm area. This dance requires the lead skater to present the follow skater and the dance holds should be elegant throughout the pattern. The dance has the following sections:

1. Opening

2. “Toe Pick Hop”

3. Choctaw/Twizzle

4. Slide to the Three-Turn (skidded)

5. Mirror-Switching Joyfull Hops

6. Three-Turn Bracket

7. “Walk-Around Three-Turn”

See ISU Communications No. 2241 for more detailed information about the Tea-Time Foxtrot, as well as the new PSA Dance Booklet (2021, 7th edition) pages 122-125. An instructional video is also available for download from the ISU website.

Important things to know about the Tea-Time Foxtrot:

• Speed is vital to the dance, but it should appear effortless and relaxing “like you are drinking tea.”

• The toe steps are very challenging for the follow.

• There will be shoulder positions not common to the Foxtrot.

• Timing is very difficult due to the toe pick hops.

• The drag for the lead after step 14 is optional, but deserves to be noted as it helps the unison.

• Step 15 skid needs to follow a deep curve or separation will occur.

• Watch for loss of speed on step 15.

• Check Steps 17, 18, and 19 for loss of unison and timing. The kick is to the side.

• Step 22a and 22b look for poor tracking during the lead’s waltz jump; the follow holds step 22 for two beats.

• Some arm positions are optional.

Updated Dance Book!

$26.95 includes shipping fee

This booklet provides a pattern diagram and overview for each dance from the Preliminary through Gold and International levels. Diagrams of each dance along with guidelines for test expectations, focus points, checks, and common errors are included. The 7th edition, released in 2021, includes a thorough review and update. New features include:

• Updated descriptions of dance rhythms

• Dance holds by step number

• Pattern requirements for test and competition

• Addition of Tea-Time Foxtrot

The new booklet is also printed in portrait format with two-page spreads for each dance. This puts the pattern on the left-hand page and text on the right-hand page, allowing for easier-to-read font size and plenty of space for making notes; an ideal rink-side resource.

Special thanks to:

Martha Rasmussen, U.S. Figure Skating Judge

Jeff Petri, PSA Dance Coach

Barbara Buch, U.S. Figure Skating Judge ISU Ice Dance Seminar on the new Pattern Dance — Tea-Time Foxtrot | Detroit, MI, April 27– 28, 2019 (segments of this seminar are available on YouTube)