American Smooth Open Silver Foxtrot Variations

American Smooth – Open Silver Foxtrot Variations features accomplished American Smooth champions Michael Mead & Toni Redpath presenting a collection of advanced Silver-level Foxtrot combinations and routine-building ideas.

Designed for dancers who have already mastered the core Silver syllabus, this program demonstrates how standard figures can be expanded into more sophisticated sequences through the use of shadow positions, alternate holds, pivots, wraps, grapevines, hairpins, and dynamic transitions.

The instruction emphasizes movement continuity, floorcraft, partner coordination, and creative choreography while maintaining the smooth, flowing character of American Smooth Foxtrot.

Each variation is broken down step-by-step before being demonstrated within a complete routine format, making the material suitable for both study and practical application.

Variations Covered

Variation 1 – Shadow Hairpin

• Progressive Twinkle to Progressive Step
• Chassé with Reverse Pivot
• Shadow Hairpin
• Open Impetus
• Underarm Pass

Variation 2 – Curved 3 Step & Hairpin in Alternate Hold

• Developé
• Fallaway & Weave
• Curved 3 Step & Hairpin
• Open Impetus Together
• Progressive Ending

Variation 3 – Shadow Weave

• Curved 3 Step Left
• Hover
• Progressive Twinkle in Shadow Position
• Natural Weave in Shadow
• Shadow Chassé

Variation 4 – Shimmy Walks & Overturn Wrap

• Open Natural
• Shimmy Walks
• Shadow Position
• Wrap Actions
• Hand-to-Hand Three Steps

Routine Review: Variations 1–4

Variation 5 – Underarm Pass to Check

• Twinkle
• Open Right
• Check Rock to Grapevine
• Hairpin
• Open Impetus

Variation 6 – Fallaway Contra Check & Pivots

• Fallaway
• Contra Check
• Pivots
• Rondé Actions
• Side-to-Side Bounce Actions

Variation 7 – Advanced Shadow Grapevines

• Shadow Telemark
• Shadow Grapevines
• Position Changes
• Progressive Ending

Variation 8 – Side by Side Switching Grapevines

• Side-by-Side Position
• Grapevine Switches
• Check Across
• Rondé
• Progressive 3 Step Ending

Routine Review: Variations 5–8

Training Benefits

• Expand Silver-level Foxtrot choreography
• Learn advanced transitions and position changes
• Improve floorcraft and routine development
• Develop shadow work and alternate hold techniques
• Enhance creativity for showcases and competitions
• Study complete demonstration routines

Suitable For

• American Smooth Silver dancers
• Competitive ballroom dancers
• Dance teachers and coaches
• Showcase performers
• Students seeking advanced Foxtrot variations

This instructional video serves as a valuable resource for dancers looking to move beyond syllabus-only material and incorporate more creative and expressive American Smooth Foxtrot choreography into their dancing.