How to Do the Falling off the Log Step in Tap Dance

The falling off the log step in tap dancing is pure fun, and it looks really cool. It has its roots in vaudeville. One can easily imagine Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton desperately struggling to stay on top of a rolling log as they flail their arms and legs in a humorous fashion. Now you can fall off your own logs!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Brush your right foot back.

2. Tap with your right toe. Make a nice, sharp sound with the tip of your tap shoe when you begin the falling off the log step in tap dancing.

3. Jump to your left foot and brush back.

4. Strike the ground with your left toe.

5. Repeat the falling off the log step in tap dancing with you right foot and continue alternating feet.

6. Lean forward as you do the falling off the log step to help you keep your balance and add to the effect.

7. Swing the opposite arm forward with the leg. When you brush back with your right foot, sing your left arm forward. When you brush back with your right foot, swing your left arm forward.

8. Add speed to the falling off the log step in tap dancing until you look as though you're struggling to keep your balance on a rolling log. The move looks vaudevillian, and when you add the swinging arms and a bit of horror to your expression, it can be quite funny.

Resources

• Connie Hale demonstrates the falling off the log step.