Buzz
The rhythm of The Cup Song is rooted in 'The Cup Game,' an age-old childhood favorite. Originated by Lulu and the Lampshades and popularized by Pitch Perfect, The Cup Song can be dissected into three simple sections.
Steps to Follow
Commencing the Cup Song
Prepare the cup on a stable surface. Begin The Cup Song by placing a cup upside down on a table. Make sure to leave some space around the cup.
Perform two claps directly above the cup.
Tap the top of the cup thrice, alternating hands. Begin with the right, then the left, and finally the right hand again. Utilize your fingertips primarily for tapping.
Moving the Cup
Clap once above the cup, maintaining a distance of about six inches. However, this time, clap only once.
Lift the cup. Hold the bottom of the cup with your right hand. Raise the cup to hover about two to three inches above the table. Try to create an audible sound while lifting the cup.
Shift the cup to the right and place it down.
Mastering the Cup Flip
Perform a single clap above the cup once more, ensuring your hands remain approximately six inches above it.
Hold the cup with your right hand. Position your right hand with your thumb pointing downward and your palm facing right. Grip the cup firmly.
Twist the cup. Rotate the cup naturally ninety degrees clockwise, with the opening facing left.
Give the cup a resounding tap. Employ your palm to strike the cup's mouth. Ensure your hand connects firmly with the rim for another clear sound.
Proceed to pivot the cup forty-five degrees. Rotate it a bit more in a smooth motion. The cup should almost stand upright with the rim facing up.
Gently rap the cup's edge against the table. Just before the cup aligns vertically, tap its bottom edge lightly against the table.
Transfer the cup to your left hand. Keep turning the cup clockwise. Hold the cup's base with your left hand. Aim for another audible beat as your left hand makes contact with the cup. These beats maintain the rhythm of the Cup Song.
Strike the table with your right hand. Extend your right arm to hit the table close to your body's left side.
Place the cup back on the table. Cross your right arm over your left and firmly set the cup back down on the table. Ensure it lands on its rim near your left side.
Practice again. Keep rehearsing the Cup Song until you improve your speed. Once you're comfortable with the moves, try syncing them with the song “When I’m Gone.” These moves repeat throughout the entire song.
Pointers
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Perform the Cup Song on a hard surface like a table for optimal results.
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Incorporate the moves into the song “When I’m Gone.”
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Start with a plastic cup, especially during practice. Switch to a glass cup only when you're completely comfortable with the routine.
The guidance here stems from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like yourself. If you have a helpful tip to share on Mytour, please submit it below.
- Begin slowly and gradually increase speed through practice. Avoid rushing, as it disrupts timing. Once the sequence is mastered, gradually pick up the pace. Focus on precision first, speed later.
- Focus on smoothing out transitions between steps initially. The most challenging aspect is smoothly connecting each movement. Concentrate on these transitions, seamlessly link motions, then work on speed.
- Invite friends to learn together. Transform practice into a social event! Share laughs over mistakes, offer feedback on technique, exchange tips. Turning it into a communal activity will keep motivation high.
Cautions
- Avoid forcefully slapping, slamming, or gripping the cup to prevent damage.
- Remember, mastering the cup song requires extensive practice.
