How to Do the Zigzag in Tap Dancing

The zigzag step in tap dancing is a good example of intricate, close footwork. The dancer is required to do a heel dig, back brush, step and then heel drop both heels, but not simultaneously. This kind of combination is a lot more complicated than, for example, a simple shuffle step.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Dig your right heel to the front and then brush back on on your foot and step down on the ball of your foot (1 e and).

2. Drop your right heel and then drop your left heel (a 2). Your weight shifts to the left side when you drop your left heel.

3. Back brush on your right foot and step down on the right, followed by dropping your right heel (e and a).

4. Dig your left heel to the front on the count of 3. Your weight will shift to the right side.Your left foot is free to start the zigzag on the left.

5. Combine the steps to the zigzag: Heel dig, back brush, step, heel drop right, heel drop left, back brush, step, heel drop right, heel dig left. Consider the count: 1e and a 2 e and a 3.

Tips & Warnings

• When an "e" appears in the count that means it is either a sixteenth or quadruple count. Conversely, the single time count or quarter note is: 1 2 3 4. The eighth note couplet count is: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. The eighth note triplet count is: 1 and a 2 and a3 and a4 and.