How to Do the "B" Section of the ABC Step in Tap Dancing

The first section of the ABC step in tap dancing is, of course, the "A" section, which consists of the following: back brush, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop step, L and R heel drops, back brush, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, step, R and L heel drops. The second part of this lengthy dance step is the "B" section, which incorporates shuffles and toe jabs into the combination.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Back brush on your right foot and drop your left heel to the count of "and 1."

2. Shuffle on your right ("and 2") and drop your left heel ("and"), followed by a toe jab to the back on your right foot, jabbing behind your left foot ("3").

3. Drop your left heel ("4") and shuffle on your right ("and 5").

4. Heel drop left and toe jab the right foot behind the left foot ("and 6").

5. Heel drop left heel and step down on your right ("and 7").

6. Heel drop your right heel and flat (stamp) on your left foot ("and 8").

7. Combine the steps for Section B of the ABC step: Back brush, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, toe jab, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, toe jab, heel drop, step, heel drop, flat.

Tips & Warnings

• Put section "A" of the ABC with section "B." Section A, starting on the right foot: Back brush, heel drop, shuffle heel drop, step, heel drop left, heel drop right, brush back, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, step, heel drop right, heel drop left ("and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 and 8"). Section B: Back brush, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, toe jab, heel drop, shuffle, heel drop, toe jab to back, heel drop, step, heel drop, flat. (and 1 and 2 and 3 4 and 4 and 6 and 7 and 8). Watch the video demonstration, found in the Resources section, to see how a Cincinnati tap step is executed. This will help you better understand how to do some of the steps (back brush shuffle heel drop) that are found in the ABC step.

Resources

• Demonstration video