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Sevens: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Get ready to channel some serious Irish Dance energy with the Sevens! This beginner-friendly move is exactly what it sounds like: seven quick, light side steps that travel across the floor. You will usually see this step in routines inspired by traditional Irish dancing, adding a fun and fast-paced lateral movement to your workout. It is a fantastic way to practice staying light on your feet while keeping your upper body perfectly still.

Step card

Count
1-2-3-4-5-6-7, hold 8
Level
Beginner
Found in
Irish Dance
In short
Seven quick side steps traveling to one side on the balls of the feet

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with your arms straight down by your sides and pop up onto the balls of both feet.
  2. On count 1, step your right foot out to the right side.
  3. On count 2, quickly step your left foot behind your right foot, shifting your weight.
  4. On counts 3, 4, 5, and 6, continue alternating steps: right foot to the side, left foot behind.
  5. On count 7, step your right foot out to the side one last time.
  6. On count 8, hold your position and prepare to reverse the movement to the left.

Tips

  • Keep your arms pinned straight down to your sides to capture that authentic Irish Dance style.
  • Stay up on the balls of your feet the entire time to maintain a quick, light rhythm.
  • Keep your upper body rigid and let all the fast-paced action happen from the hips down.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping your heels. Imagine the floor is hot and keep your heels lifted so you stay light and fast.
  • Swinging your arms. Squeeze your triceps and press your hands against your thighs to keep your upper body still.
  • Losing the count. Count the steps out loud from one to seven so you remember to pause on the eighth beat.

Variations and practice

  • Practice the footwork slowly before trying to match the fast pace of traditional Irish music.
  • Add a small hop before the first count to create a more dynamic entrance into the traveling steps.

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.