August 2026
Shiva Tap / Shrimp Squat
Tandavasana
From our teaching team · Shannon Jones & Jeka Sisco
Shiva Tap (also known as Shrimp Squat) is a single-leg balancing posture, often used as a transitional pose. It can be woven into flow entering into and out of a variety of poses, or held for several breaths, with endless options and fun explorations all month long.
Practice safely
These guides are for general education and are not medical advice or a substitute for in-person instruction. Yoga is physical, and every body is different: practice at your own risk, move within your own limits, and stop if something hurts. Talk with your physician before starting any new physical practice, especially if you are pregnant, injured, or managing a health condition. The safest place to learn any of these poses is in the room with a teacher who can see you, and our teachers adjust for every level in every class.
Why we love it
- It builds strength physically, especially the quads.
- It increases stability and balance while in the pose as well as during transitions.
- It develops drishti and overall focus for the body and mind.
- Bonus: it is a pose that can be played upon almost throughout our classes.
Entry one — from low lunge
- Start in low lunge, hands on the mat (right leg forward).
- Firmly press your right heel down.
- Bring your left knee to “tap” your right calf muscle.
- Shiva Tap.
Entry two — from standing splits
- Start in standing splits (left leg lifted).
- Bend your right knee slightly.
- Bring your lifted left knee to “tap” your right calf muscle.
- Full pose, hands to prayer.
- Shiva Tap.
Alignment
- In both entries, create a spine parallel to the ground.
Playful options to explore
Enter from lunge, standing splits, crescent, chair, or warrior 3 — and exit from any of these.
- Shiva Tap into Half Moon
- Shiva Tap into Twisted Half Moon
- Shiva Tap into Twisted Dancer
- Shiva Tap into Dragon Squat
- Shiva Tap into Standing Leg Raise
- Shiva Tap into Kundalini’s Descent
- Shiva Tap into Half Lord of the Fish
- Shiva Tap into Twisted Root
The best way to learn it is in the room.
Our teachers break down poses like this in every class, at every level. First class is $8.
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