Melbourne shuffle
The Melbourne shuffle is a rave dance that developed in the 1980s.[1] Typically performed to electronic music, the dance originated in the Melbourne rave scene, and was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.[2] The dance moves involve a fast heel-and-toe movement or T-step, combined with a variation of the running man coupled with a matching arm action.[1] The dance is improvised and involves "repeatedly shuffling your feet inwards, then outwards, while thrusting your arms up and down, or side to side, in time with the beat". Other moves can be incorporated including 360-degree spins and jumps and slides.[2] Popular Melbourne clubs during the dance's heyday included Chasers, Heat, Mercury Lounge, Viper, Two Tribes and PHD.[1]
| Melbourne shuffle | |
|---|---|
| Dance type | Rave dance |
| Year | 1980s - present |
| Country | Australia |
| Related topics | |
Technique
The underlying dance moves involve the T-step, combined with a variation of the running man.[1] The dance is improvised and involves "repeatedly shuffling your feet inwards, then outwards, while thrusting your arms up and down, or side to side, in time with the beat". 360-degree spins, jumps and slides are also incorporated.[2] It is often associated with another style of dance, "cutting shapes."
Some dancers sprinkle talcum powder or apply liquid to the floor beneath their feet to help them slide more easily.[2]
References
- Fazal, Mahmood. "Which Is Sicker: Melbourne Shuffle or Sydney Gabber?". Vice. Vice Media. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
- Tomazin, Farrah; Donovan, Patrick; Mundell, Meg (7 December 2002). "Dance Trance". The Age. The Age Company Ltd.
- "Shuffling: the War at the Heart of London's New Dance Scene". vice.com/en_uk. Retrieved 20 July 2015.
- Schwartzberg, Lauren. "The Rabbit Dance Is Pissing Off Everyone in the Netherlands". Vice. Vice Media. Retrieved 14 March 2019.