How to Do a Double Paradiddle in Tap Dancing

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By Cindi Pearce
eHow Contributing Writer

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The paradiddle in tap dancing is sometimes called "paddle and roll" or the "Hollywood roll." John Bubbles, a vaudeville performer, gets credit for popularizing the step. The step can be executed in the single, double or triple version. The double paradiddle consists of eight sounds (taps) whereas the single consisted of four. When a step goes from a single to a double, it gets more complicated and more steps are involved. To learn how to do a double paradiddle, follow the instructions below.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tap shoes

Step 1

Heel dig with your right foot on the count of “1.” Do not put any weight on the dig.
Step 2

Spank (back brush) your right foot and step down on the count of “e and.”
Step 3

Heel drop your left heel on the count of “a.”
Step 4

Dig your right heel on the count of “2.”
Step 5

Spank (back brush) and then toe (step down on the ball of your right foot) on the count of “e and.”
Step 6

Drop your right heel on the count of “a.”
Step 7

Concentrate on the steps: Heel dig, spank (back brush) step, heel drop, heel dig, spank (back brush) toe and then heel.
Step 8

Note that with the exception of the heel drop on your left foot all of the other steps are executed on your right foot.
Step 9

Do the step beginning on the left foot.
Step 10

Realize that you will make eight sounds (1e&a2e&a.)

Tips & Warnings

Remember that the paradiddle is considered close to the floor work. You are doing intricate steps and are making many sounds to a beat, thus the odd count of "1 e and a," which equals heel dig, spank, step, drop (left) heel, and then "2 e and a," which equals heel dig, spank, toe, drop heel.
In the video found in the "Resources" section below, a single paradiddle is demonstrated.

Resources