Learning to dance urbankiz involves mastering many movements and patterns. One essential component is the Hook Step. Understanding and incorporating these steps can make your dancing smoother, more natural, and more enjoyable. In this blog post, we're going to cover the 12 Basic Hook Step Entries, categorized into forward and backward hooks, each with different touches.

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The Hook Step: An Overview

Before we delve into the intricacies of the different hook steps, let's first understand what it is. It's been fascinating to see the evolution creativity with hook steps and crosses in the urbankiz scene over the past few years! I've found in a lot of the classes and workshops around the world, dancers tend to not fully understand the best way to approach all of the hook step possibilities. So let's break it all down!

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There are 12 basic hook step entries, broken down into six forward hooks and six backward hooks. Furthermore, these steps can also be classified based on which foot is leading the movement, creating six steps for the left foot and six for the right foot.

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These hook steps are also an extension of understanding the 6 lanes within the partnership which is a base for leading/following the core step of saidas.

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The 12 Basic Hook Step Entries By Type

The hook steps in Urban Kiz fall into three primary categories, each characterized by the number of touches before the actual hook step: Rectangle (R), V, and J.

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Understanding the Types of Hook Step Entries

Before we delve into the specific hook steps, let's clarify the types. We have three main types of hook steps, each defined by the number of touches before executing the hook step:

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1. **Rectangle (R)**: This type involves 2 touches before the hook step. It's called "rectangle" because of the square-like pattern your feet make on the dance floor.

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2. **V**: In this hook step type, there's just one touch before the hook step. Visualize it as a "V" shaped pattern on the dance floor.

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3. **J**: The J type does not involve any touches before the hook step. The foot movement resembles a "J" shape.

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Remember, the types R, V, and J are all shorthand for the footwork patterns you'll create on the dance floor. The different touches give the dance its rhythm and flavor, and mastering these is essential for any budding urbankiz dancer.

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Rectangle (R) Hook Steps

Here are the 4 Rectangle hook steps:

• Left Foot Forwards - Rectangle: Two touches before stepping forward with the left foot into a hook step.

 

• Right Foot Forwards - Rectangle: Two touches before stepping forward with the right foot into a hook step.

• Left Foot Backwards - Rectangle: Two touches before stepping backward with the left foot into a hook step.

• Right Foot Backwards - Rectangle: Two touches before stepping backward with the right foot into a hook step.

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V Hook Steps

Here are the four V hook steps:

1. Left Foot Forwards - V: One touch before moving forward with the left foot into a hook step.

1. Right Foot Forwards - V: One touch before progressing forward with the right foot into a hook step.

1. Left Foot Backwards - V: One touch before moving backward with the left foot into a hook step.

1. Right Foot Backwards - V: One touch before moving backward with the right foot into a hook step.

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J Hook Steps

Here are the four J hook steps:

1. Left Foot Forwards - J: No touches before advancing forward with the left foot into a hook step.

1. Right Foot Forwards - J: No touches before moving forward with the right foot into a hook step.

1. Left Foot Backwards - J: No touches before retreating backward with the left foot into a hook step.

1. Right Foot Backwards - J: No touches before stepping backward with the right foot into a hook step.

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In conclusion, unlocking and understanding these 12 basic hook step entries in Urbankiz will give you a solid foundation for developing your dancing skills further. Remember, all of these variations are important to understand for both leaders and followers!. It may seem complicated initially, but with time and repetition, you'll be able to perform these steps intuitively and musically. Check out membership site for videos breaking down the nuances of these hook steps even more with drills and partnerwork steps on our website learntokiz.com! You can try us out for free for 7 days!

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