How to Execute an Irish Step in Tap Dancing

Let's tap dance! One of the integral steps of tap dancing is called the Irish. It incorporates the shuffle step as do many of the combinations. Just because you're fifty or older does not preclude you from putting on tap shoes and letting it rip!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

Doing the Irish

1. If your balance is good, stand in the middle of the floor with your arms extended to the sides for balance and appearance. If your balance isn't so good, steady yourself by placing a hand on the wall, or on a ballet bar if one is available, but remember to stand up straight.

2. The Irish consists of shuffle hop step. Shuffle (right foot, which involves brushing forward and backward on the ball of your foot) and then you hop (hopping up on your left foot) step (right step). Repeat on the left foot.

3. It's relatively easy. Shuffle (right), hop (left) step (right). You can do it in place or, when you become more confident, you can do it moving forward or backward.

4. The count is and-one-and-two-and-three-and-four.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't dance on a slippery floor.