How to Do Shuffle Footwork Moves in Break Dancing

A shuffle is a basic break dancing footwork pattern that you can do to the front or back. In a break dancing shuffle, you move your feet back and forth in a repeating pattern. Shuffles are easy to learn, though it may take some coordination to do them rhythmically.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Squat on the ground with your weight distributed between both feet. Place your right hand back behind you and slightly away from your body.

2. Tighten your core muscles and lift your body slightly for support. Move your right foot out in front of you. Keep the rest of your body's movement to a minimum. You can rest your free hand on your hip as you shuffle to help you focus on your leg movements.

3. Shuffle your feet by bringing your right foot back and your left foot out. Repeat the pattern, keeping your shuffling as smooth and rhythmic as possible.

4. Practice supporting yourself with your left arm as you shuffle to develop strength and bring versatility to your break dancing.

5. Do a back shuffle by getting into a step-out position, with your arms under your shoulders and your feet spread wider than hip width behind you. Shuffle by criss-crossing your legs so that your right leg comes in front of your left on the first shuffle and your left leg comes in front of your right on the second. Unlike the front shuffle, you move both legs simultaneously in the back shuffle.

6. Vary the back shuffle by doing a runner shuffle instead of criss-crossing your legs. For the runner shuffle, bring your right foot forward and then replace it with your left by bringing the left foot forward. Repeat the pattern.

7. Incorporate shuffles into the other break dancing footwork you know to start building your dance.