How to Do Crossing Pullbacks in Tap Dancing

A pull-back in tap dancing can be done as a single--executed on one foot--or as a double (both feet are engaged) or as a pull-back change or swap, where the dancer must brush back on the leg she is standing on and land on her opposite foot. In the crossing pullback step, the dancer is going to do a series of pullbacks and she is going to cross and uncross her feet in the process. The dancer begins the step with her feet in a parallel position.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Brush back and step on your right foot but do it so that your right foot lands in front of your left foot while simultaneously brushing back and stepping down on your left foot while crossing your left foot behind your right foot. You have just done a double pull-back (both feet are pulling back at the same time) AND crossed your feet in the process.

2. Recall that a pull-back requires the dancer to position her knees in a bent (plie) fashion so that she can spring back on her foot and execute a back brush on that foot. It's hard to execute a back brush from the leg/foot that is bearing your weight, so you have to generate that spring, with your bent knees, which propels you into the air. In the crossing pull-back, you are pulling back on both feet simultaneously while crossing your legs.

3. Know that after executing Step 1 (double pull-backs with cross), the next step in the crossing pull-backs is going to uncross your feet. Brush back and step on your right foot to the right while simultaneously brushing back and stepping down on your left foot to the left. Your legs are now uncrossed. You have just done another double pull-back.

4. Execute another double pull-back but, this time, the left foot is going to end up crossed in front of the right foot. This requires that the dancer brush back and step on her left foot and land the step in front of her right foot while simultaneously back-brushing and stepping on the right foot and crossing the right foot behind the left.

5. Continue doing the crossing pull-backs, crossing and uncrossing your feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to the Resources section and watch the video demonstration by Rod Howell. He does crossing pull-backs, which are sure to give you an aerobic work-out. The second demonstration is by Emily Larew, who demonstrates a basic double pull-back. She advises novices to hold onto the dance bar when first attempting this step. The bar provides balance and security.

Resources

• Tap Dancing Demo by Rod Howell
• Tap Dancing Demo by Emily Larew