The Quickstep was first danced in the 1920's, and was derived from a combination of the Peabody and the Two-Step.  The Two-step used bold marching cadences with a very patriotic flavor which  very quickly popularized the dance in America.  The rhythms invite a fast, fun and care-free interpretation.   

Although the patterns are danced in closed position in the body of the routine, entrance and exit show material utilizes many of the steps popularized in the Charleston.

Many of the basic steps seem a bit like Foxtrot but are executed much more quickly.  The advanced dancer adds a little “hop, skip and jumping” to add an even more energetic presentation.  

The Quickstep is the most popular dance in England, and is considered the "Joy" dance of Modern Dancing. 

In 1948, Alex Moore standardized the dance figures and techniques.  He is the founder of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and is considered the guru of Standard dancing.

Fast, gliding, energetic with a sustained smoothness.

Walks, Chasses, Locks & Box steps

Long gliding actions mixed with rotations & picture steps

Footwork:

Forward Steps - Slow Counts are:
                      HEEL /TOE  (HT)
Backward Steps - Slow Counts:

1.  Followed by another back step are
                 TOE/HEEL  (TH)

2.  Followed by a side step are  
                TOE/HEEL/TOE   (THT)

 *  1st QUICKS' are TOE   (T)
*   Final QUICKS' in a pattern are
                      TOE/HEEL  (TH)

Note 1.  Most steps between the first step and the last of an element are generally toes, unless using a rotation, like a Impetus Turn, Pivots, etc.

 Note 2. The heel on the last step of a component generally does not lower until commencing the next step.

Note 3.  Forward & Slightly side steps on quick counts are toe/heel.  For example:  last steps in chasses and forward locks.
 

Tempo: 

50 - 52  MPM

s = slow = 2 beats of music
q = quick = 1 beat of music

There are numerous counts that can be utilized to create advance elements.  The more advanced dancer use more "&" counts and syncopates steps.  The use of "picture steps" allows holding actions.