Embark on a dynamic tap dance journey as we delve into the world of tap steps starting with the letter “U.” Discover the energetic Up steps, including the Basic Up, Up Kick, Up Swing, Up Two, and more. Explore the intricate Under category with steps like the Under Kick, Under Pivot, and Under Swing.
Unleash your rhythm and creativity as you master these exciting tap moves.
| Tap Move | Description |
| Undercut | A tap move, usually done to the side, in which one foot passes under the other while keeping the feet parallel to each other. |
| Upstage | In dance, the direction away from the audience. Moving toward the back of the stage. |
| Upright Buck | A tap move in which the dancer jumps up and touches the back of one foot with the opposite hand, then landing on the original foot. |
Tap steps that start with u
Up, Up, Down: A basic tap step where you tap your right foot up, then your left foot up, and then both feet down simultaneously.
Up, Up, Down, Up: A variation of the previous step, where you add an additional up tap with your right foot before bringing both feet down.
Up, Up, Down, Back: Similar to the previous step, but instead of bringing both feet down simultaneously, you bring your left foot back behind your right foot.
Up, Up, Down, Front: Another variation of the basic step, where instead of bringing both feet down simultaneously, you bring your right foot forward in front of your left foot.
Up, Up, Down, Side: This step is similar to the previous one, but instead of bringing your right foot forward, you bring it to the side.
Up, Up, Down, Cross: A more complex variation of the basic step, where instead of bringing both feet down simultaneously, you cross your right foot over your left foot.
Up, Up, Down, Heel: This step is similar to the previous one, but instead of crossing your feet, you bring your right heel down behind your left foot.
Up, Up, Down, Toe: Similar to the previous step, but instead of bringing your heel down, you bring your right toe down in front of your left foot.
Up, Up, Down, Shuffle: A variation of the basic step, where instead of bringing both feet down simultaneously, you slide your right foot forward and then your left foot back.
Up, Up, Down, Brush: This step is similar to the previous one, but instead of sliding your feet, you brush them against the floor.
Tap Steps that Start with U
Up
Up, a lively tap step, adds an energetic rhythm to dance routines.
Executed by striking the floor with the ball of the foot while simultaneously pushing off, it creates a crisp and upbeat sound that complements other tap steps.
Basic Up
Basic Up is a tap step that starts with the foot flat on the floor, then raising the heel while keeping the toe on the ground, and then lowering the heel back down.
Up Kick
In tap dance, an Up Kick is an upward motion of the kicking leg, where the toe points to the ceiling and the knee remains straight. It is a basic tap step that involves kicking the leg up and down while keeping the other leg firmly planted on the ground.
Up Swivel
In the realm of tap dancing, the Up Swivel reigns supreme.
This captivating move entails a swift upward motion of the toe, creating a delightful syncopated rhythm.
Its dynamic energy and playful character make it a favorite among tap dancers, adding a touch of vivacity and flair to any performance.
Up Swing
Up Swing, a lively tap step, adds an upbeat rhythm to dance routines. Dancers initiate the move by stepping forward with one foot, then quickly bring the other foot up to meet it, creating a syncopated sound.
This energetic step often appears in jazz, Broadway, and tap dance performances.
Up Two
Up Two is a tap dance step that begins with the dancer standing on one foot with the other foot raised in the air.
The dancer then steps forward with the raised foot and brings it down next to the standing foot.
The dancer then steps back with the standing foot and brings it down next to the raised foot.
This pattern is repeated, alternating feet.
Up Tap
Up Tap, a fundamental tap step, exudes an upbeat and lively character.
Its upward motion adds an energetic flair to tap routines, often serving as a transition between other steps.
Dancers execute Up Taps by swiftly striking the ball of their foot against the floor, producing a crisp, percussive sound.
Up Toe Stand
Up Toe Stand: A lively tap step characterized by a graceful rise onto the toes, followed by a dynamic transfer of weight from one foot to the other, creating a rhythmic and energetic movement.
Up Two Balance
Up Two Balance: A tap step where the dancer rises onto the ball of one foot, then the other, while keeping the heels up.
The dancer then lowers back down to flat feet.
Up Two Flat Foot
Up Two Flat Foot is a tap step that begins with the dancer standing with feet together.
The dancer then steps forward with the right foot, followed by the left foot, and then brings both feet together.
The dancer then steps back with the left foot, followed by the right foot, and then brings both feet together again.
This step is often used as a transition between other tap steps.
Under
Under Kick
Under Kick: A powerful and versatile kick executed by thrusting the foot upward from below the knee, targeting the opponent’s midsection or head. Its speed and trajectory make it an effective technique in various martial arts disciplines.
Under Pivot
- Under pivot is a tap step where the dancer shifts their weight from one foot to the other while pivoting on the stationary foot.
- It involves a smooth transfer of weight and a controlled turn of the body.
- This step is often used in transitions between other tap steps and can add a dynamic element to tap routines.
Under Swing
Under Swing is a type of tap dance step that starts with a preparatory tap on the ball of the non-weight-bearing foot, followed by a weight shift onto that foot. This sets up the swing of the weight-bearing foot, which is then swung forward and tapped on the heel, then the ball, and finally the toe.
Final Verdict
The realm of tap dance boasts a captivating array of steps commencing with the letter “U.” From the fundamental “Up” step, dancers embark on a journey of rhythm, grace, and expression. They master the “Up Kick,” “Up Swivel,” and “Up Swing,” adding layers of complexity to their footwork.
The “Up Two,” “Up Tap,” and “Up Toe Stand” showcase their balance and coordination.
Finally, the “Up Two Balance” and “Up Two Flat Foot” culminate in a display of poise and agility. The “Under” family of steps, including the “Under Kick,” “Under Pivot,” and “Under Swing,” adds a dynamic twist to tap routines.
These steps, when combined with the “Up” variations, create a mesmerizing tapestry of movement that captivates audiences worldwide.
