How to Do the Side Irish in Tap Dancing

When an "Irish" is referred to in tap dancing, it denotes a step that follows the pattern shuffle, hop, step. An Irish can be a traveling step (to the front or to the back), or it can be done in place, as is the side Irish. This dance step was introduced in Daniel Decatur Emmett's minstrel act. The Irish step is very much influenced by the Lancashire (England) clog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Shuffle on your right foot to the count of "and 8."

2. Hop on your left foot and drop your left heel to the count of "and."

3. Step to the right on our right to the count of "1."

4. Note that the difference in a side Irish (compared to a back or front Irish) is that you are not stepping down to the front or to the back. You are stepping to the side. In other words, the dancer is not traveling forward or back, but basically staying in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to use your arms for balance and presentation when doing any tap-dancing step.

Resources

• Tap Dance Demo by Dani Rhodes