How to Do the Main Break in Tap Dancing

The main break in tap dancing is one of the lengthier breaks. It includes a brush back and a leap, which is a pullback with a change. A pullback requires that the dancer brush back on the foot that her weight is on. The dancer must bend her knee and do a springing action to the back while simultaneously brushing her supporting foot to the back. This pullback involves a change, meaning the dancer leaps and lands on her other foot.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Stomp (no weight) on the right foot and back brush on the right foot.

2. Hop on the left foot and shuffle step on the right.

3. Drop the right heel and dig the left heel to the front.

4. Brush the left foot to the back and hop on the right.

5. Leap onto the left foot and shuffle on the right. Your right foot remains in the air.

6. Brush back on the left foot and leap and land on the right. This is the pullback.

7. Jab your left toe behind the right foot and then stamp your left foot to the left. A stamp bears weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the steps in order: stomp, brush hop, shuffle step, heel drop, heel dig, brush hop, leap, shuffle, brush, leap, toe jab, stamp. Consider the count: "8 and 1 and a 2 and 3 and 4 5 and 6 and a 7, 8."

Resources

• Tap Dancing Videos