Shuffle Dance

Dance is a beautiful medium of expression. There are various styles of dance present all over the world, which reflect the culture of the place they are born in. One such style is the shuffle dance, bearing a strong resemblance to the jazz style of the early years. While the previous style had only heel and toe movements, variations were added to it at later stages. Amongst the numerous variations incorporated in the dance format were hand movements. The techno music, which was used earlier, was replaced with trance music and house music. However, the heel-and-toe action has remained the prime key to the dance form.

 

Shuffle dance is today popularly known as 'shuffling'. The name has derived its significance from overseas DJs, party goers, visitors and the media trying to describe its phenomenon. Today, shuffle dance has evolved to become one of the most dance forms across the world. To make the dance easy, some dancers sprinkle talcum powder on the floor beneath their feet, making them glide more easily. It also helps in incorporating the 360 degree spins or jumps into their moves. Let us know about the various types of shuffle dance.

 

 

One kind of shuffle dance is known as the Melbourne shuffle dance. It has a history that dates back to the 1980s, in the Melbourne underground scene. The basic movements which encompass the dance are the fast heel-and-toe action, with a style suitable for various types of electronic music. The variants of shuffle dance incorporate hand movements as well. However, despite the variations, the main heel to toe movement remains as the key motion, giving it the term ‘the Melbourne shuffle’.

 

Two of the main constituents of the Melbourne shuffle that have managed to remain consistent are the component moves ‘Running man’ and ‘Shuffle’. The former involves a stomp forward, followed by a double hop backwards with the same foot, the other foot repeating the action leading to a running-on-the-spot motion. The latter, on the other hand, is a fast sideways heel-toe motion on one foot, twisting at the ankle. As compared to the yesteryears, the popularity of shuffle dance has grown by leaps and bounds in the present times, thanks to the fast developing technology.

 

Cupid shuffle dance has been named after the songwriter Cupid, who further evolved it. It is most prevalent in the African-American society. The fundamentals of the dance are the same as that of the Melbourne shuffle dance, but a tinge of modernity has been added to it. It brings a modern and hip twist to the electric slide. Not only is the Cupid Shuffle easy to learn, but it can also be practiced and enjoyed by people of all age groups.

 

To start off, all you need is to do is put on the music and wait for the right time to get your groove on. Start with the steps, taking 4 steps towards the right and then, 4 to the left. Now, put your heel to the floor in front with your right leg, and then with your left leg. Repeat this twice for each leg. Now, just walk in place, turning right while doing so, so that when you get to the next part, you're facing the next wall. You can also turn and shake your hips to the beat. Repeat dance for each direction you're facing.

Harlem shuffle dance is a homage paid to the vibrant dance culture that permeated dance clubs of the Harlem area during the Harlem renaissance period. A dance maneuver, the Harlem Shuffle dance takes various forms. One of its forms includes a complete line dance, which consists of approx 25 steps. Coming to the other forms, they involve a simplified two-step, followed by a shoulder-brushing motion with the back of the opposite hand. The dance form became excessively popular with time.