How to Hop in Irish Step Dancing

The hop in Irish step dancing is a useful step, because you can use it as a traveling step to get from place to place. It is similar to the bourrée in ballet as it incorporates three steps forward where one foot remains behind the other while moving forward. Learn how to do the hop in Irish step dancing.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin the hop in Irish step dancing with your left foot before your right foot. The toes of your left foot should turn out.

2. Go on your toes with both feet slightly turned out.

3. Slide your left foot forward with your toes pointed, and your foot still turned slightly out. Make sure your heel is off the ground.

4. Hop, straighten your left leg and then bend your left knee.

5. Land and place the heel of your left foot above your right knee.

6. Place your left foot a distance in front of your right with your foot turned out.

7. Position your right foot up so it touches your left.

8. Move your left foot forward again, with your toe pointed out.

9. Bring your right foot up as you hop with your left foot.

10. Repeat the steps forward, beginning with your right foot, and bringing your left foot up behind it.

11. Switch your feet every third hop, so that you will step forward next with your right foot in front then your left.

Resources

• Niall O'Leary demonstrates the hop in Irish step dancing.
• Learn to Dance describes Irish step dancing.

[vallain]

on 2/23/2008 These instructions would really benefit from some photos. I've had Irish dance lessons and even so found it hard to follow so many steps. Guess I'm a more visual learner.