The phrase "heel up" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /hiːl ʌp/. The first sound, /h/, is a voiceless glottal fricative, which is followed by the long "ee" sound /iː/. The "l" sound /l/ follows, and then the short "u" sound /ʌ/ is pronounced. Finally, the last sound is the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/. "Heel up" means lifting the heel of one's foot off the ground, and this phrase is sometimes used in dance or fitness exercises.
Heel up is a verb phrase that refers to the action of lifting the heel or the back part of the foot off the ground or a surface. It involves raising the foot in such a way that only the toes or the forefoot remain in contact with the ground. This action is typically performed to execute specific movements or techniques in various activities such as dance, sports, or physical therapy exercises.
In the context of dance, heel up is commonly used in genres like tap, jazz, or ballet, where dancers often incorporate movements that require isolating the action of the foot or creating specific rhythms. By lifting the heel, dancers can execute intricate footwork, rapid tapping, or achieve more flexibility in their movements.
Sports that involve running or jumping, like basketball or volleyball, also employ the technique of heel up to enhance performance. Lifting the heel while sprinting or jumping is generally believed to promote greater force generation and leg power.
Additionally, in a physical therapy setting, heel up exercises are often prescribed to individuals recovering from foot injuries or improving muscle strength. By isolating the heel and targeting specific muscle groups, these exercises help in building stability, coordination, and promoting rehabilitation.
In summary, heel up refers to the action of raising the heel off the ground, primarily used in dance, sports, and physical therapy practices for various purposes such as executing specific movements, enhancing performance, or aiding in recovery.
The phrase "heel up" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words, "heel" and "up", each with their own origins.
1. "Heel": This word originated from Old English "hēla" or "hǣla", which referred to the back part of the foot in humans or animals. Its Indo-European root is believed to be "kel", meaning "to strike" or "to bump". Over time, "heel" came to be associated with the part of a shoe or boot that covers the back of the foot.
2. "Up": This word is derived from the Old English "upp" or "ūp", which shares origins with several Germanic and Scandinavian languages, implying a common Proto-Germanic root. The word "up" refers to the direction opposite to that of gravity, indicating a higher or elevated position.