Daily tip · Published October 31, 2026
Spotlight on the Double Underarm Turn in Polka
The Double Underarm Turn is a delightful figure in the Country style of Polka, perfect for adding flair to your dancing. This intermediate level maneuver showcases rhythm and coordination, inviting...
The Double Underarm Turn is a delightful figure in the Country style of Polka, perfect for adding flair to your dancing. This intermediate level maneuver showcases rhythm and coordination, inviting dancers to dynamically twirl while maintaining connection and flow.
Focused practice of the Double Underarm Turn can enhance your confidence on the dance floor. Regularly working on this figure allows dancers to refine their timing and style. Explore your local studios and find a place on Floorcraft to start learning this lively dance.
The step chart
Here is how this figure is danced. Each row is one step, and the columns break down the feet, the timing and the movement. Switch between a step by step view and the full chart with the buttons above the chart.
Technique
Commence: From a single-hand hold, man raises and leads two consecutive right turns for the lady
An extension of the underarm turn: the man leads the lady to spin two full revolutions to her right beneath the raised arm over the figure, requiring strong continuous rotation. The man marks small polka steps.
Man
8| Step | Count | Foot position | Footwork | Alignment | Turn | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| & | & | Slight hop on Right foot, raising hands | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | Raise hands, lead first turn |
| 1 | 1 | Left foot small forward | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | Nil | Keep continuous turning lead |
| & | & | Right foot closes to Left foot | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | – |
| 2 | 2 | Left foot small forward | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | Nil | Lead second turn |
| & | & | Slight hop on Left foot | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | – |
| 3 | 3 | Right foot small forward | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | Nil | Lower hands as turns finish |
| & | & | Left foot closes to Right foot | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | – |
| 4 | 4 | Right foot small forward | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | Nil | – |
Lady
8| Step | Count | Foot position | Footwork | Alignment | Turn | CBM | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| & | & | Slight hop on Left foot | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | – | Prepares for two turns R |
| 1 | 1 | Right foot forward, commencing first turn R | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | 1/2 to right | Yes | – |
| & | & | Left foot closes, turning R | Ball of foot | Backing line of dance | Continue right | – | – |
| 2 | 2 | Right foot forward, completing first full turn | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | 1/2 to right | – | – |
| & | & | Slight hop on Right foot | Ball of foot | Facing line of dance | Nil | – | Begin second turn |
| 3 | 3 | Left foot forward, commencing second turn R | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | 1/2 to right | Yes | – |
| & | & | Right foot closes, turning R | Ball of foot | Backing line of dance | Continue right | – | – |
| 4 | 4 | Left foot forward, completing second full turn | Ball of foot, flat | Facing line of dance | 1/2 to right | – | – |
Notes
- Two consecutive full turns; keep spotting to stay on time at polka speed
Learn to dance
Find a studio on Floorcraft
Working through figures like this one is easier with a teacher. Find a dance studio near you on Floorcraft and book a first lesson.
This post was approved by the studio before it was published.