How to Execute a Paddle Turn in Tap Dancing

In tap dancing, turns are often required. One of the basic dance turns is the paddle turn. It’s not that difficult, although it might require some concentration on the dancer’s part because you are required to move in a circular motion.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes
• Patience
• Balance

Executing Turns

1. To do the paddle turn, stand in the middle of the room, arms extended for balance, legs in a plié (slightly bent knees) position. Step down on your right foot and then brush step on your left foot. Your left leg should be slightly extended to the left. Follow that with a step on your right foot. Step (right), brush step (left) and step (right). The count is: and … one (step down on right) and-a (brush with left and step down on left) two (step down on right foot).

2. Practice the step in place. If you have a mirror to watch yourself in, that’s great, but if you don’t, that’s okay.

3. Repeat the step on your left leg. Step down on your left foot, brush step with your right foot and then step down on your left foot. Remember the count: and …one (step on left) and-a (brush and step with right foot) two (step down on the left).

4. When you feel confident that you have the step down pat, incorporate the turn. Starting with your right foot, step down, do the brush step on the left foot and step on the right foot, which is your pivot (or stationary foot) and begin moving in a clockwise motion. You will do the step three times and that will complete the turn. The count is: and … one (step down right) and-a (brush left and step down) two (step right), starting to turn, and-a (brush left and step down) three (step down right) and-a (brush left and step down) four (step down on the right foot). You should be facing the front at this point.

5. Repeat the step leading with your left foot and turning counterclockwise.

Tips & Warnings

• When you’re executing spins or turns while dancing, try to ‘spot’ to prevent dizziness. This comes easier to come dancers than it does to others. Pick a spot on the wall, a clock or a picture. As you are turning or spinning, your head should whip around to the front faster than your torso. Look for that object and focus on it. You are ‘spotting’ on an unmoving object, which does eliminate dizziness to a certain extent.
• Don't dance on a slippery floor.