How to Do a Step Scuff Hop Full Break in Tap Dancing

A simple heel scuff hop becomes a half break when it is done twice and a full break when it is done three times, alternating from side to side, and ends with a step. This is an energetic step and the dancer can move to the front as she is doing it simply by stepping to the front when she steps down. When you hop, you hop in place. A hop is not a leap, which requires the dancer to spring onto the other foot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Step on your right foot to the count of "1."

2. Scuff your left foot on the count of "2." Remember that a scuff requires that the dancer swipe her heel against the floor as she is brushing forward.

3. Hop in place on your right foot on count of "3." Drop your right heel. The hop and heel drop are considered one count.

4. Know that if you repeat the step scuff hop on beginning on the left side the combination is also called a half break.

5. Realize that if you repeat the step scuff hop three times, alternating from the right, left, and then back to the right, and conclude the combination with a step on your left to the count of "4" and holding (doing nothing) on the count of "5, 6" that this is the full break.

Resources

• Tap Dancing Demo by Dani Rhodes