How to Do the Shave and a Haircut in Tap Dancing
Entertainers in days of yore, and perhaps still in contemporary times, often finished their routines--whether it was a dance or a comedy sketch--with the tune, and accompanying dance steps, "Shave and a haircut, two bits!" It was a catchy and recognizable song and dance. The most challenging part of this combination is the heel stand, where the dancer is required, albeit only momentarily, to balance on the heels of her feet. For those of us who have been around a while and remember the early days of television, this catchy song may very well conjure up images from our childhood when the TV performances perhaps weren't that sophisticated but, nevertheless, memorable to us.
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Instructions
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1
Jump to the front with both feet, landing on your heels. Do this on the count of "1." Spring up and forward and land on your heels. Fortunately, you don't have to stay there very long. Keep your knees bent.
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2
Step to the back on your left foot on the count of "2" and then step to the back on your right foot on the count of "3."
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3
Stamp your left foot to the front (put your weight on a stamp) on the count of "4."
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4
Scuff to the front on your right foot on the count of "5." A scuff occurs when the dancer swipes her heel against the floor as the foot is moving either forward or backward. Keep your right foot raised and positioned next to your left leg.
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5
Hop on your left foot on the count of "6."
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6
Stomp on your right foot (do not place your weight on the stomp) on the count of "7." Hold on the count of "8." That means to do nothing for one beat.
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7
Recall the old ditty: "Shave and a hair cut ... two bits." That's what the rhythm is for this dance combination which, obviously was based on this particular song.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch Rod Howell's demonstration of a single heel stand found in the Resources section; however, remember that you are executing a double heel stand, jumping up and onto both heels simultaneously. Watch the second video where Howell does an actual double heel stand so you can see what you're in for. You might want to initially attempt double heels stands while holding onto the dance barre.
