How to Do the Shuffle Off to Buffalo in Tap Dance

After learning basic tap dance steps, focus on putting together combinations and routines. You can do the "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" or just "Buffalo" step traveling to the side or in place to add interest and difficulty to your current set of combinations.

Instructions

1. Stand in front of a mirror on a hardwood or other non-carpeted surface so you'll be able to see and hear yourself accurately. Place your hands on your hips and concentrate on your footwork.

2. Step slightly forward and to the side with your right foot, putting weight onto it. If you are using arms, keep them long, straight and down at your sides

3. Shuffle your left foot toward the front left corner. After the shuffle, keep the left foot slightly suspended.

4. Hop onto your left foot, bringing your arms to cross slightly in front of you. As you hop to your left foot, swing your right foot out in front of you, slightly above your left ankle. You should be able to see the bottom taps in the mirror but not the entire sole.

5. Repeat all the steps in the "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," listening for four distinct sounds as you tap--"step, shuf-fle, hop." Practice the right side until you feel comfortable with it and then switch to the left side. Do the same steps starting with the left foot--step left, shuffle right, hop right and bring the left foot up.

6. Keep practicing these steps until you become quicker and more graceful. Add this to your other steps and combinations for a more challenging and fun routine.

7. Try a variation of the step. Brush your right foot forward and leap onto it, bringing your left foot up slightly in front of your ankle. Shuffle left. Hop left, now bringing your right foot up. The major difference in this variation is the beginning "brush, leap" instead of "step."

Tips & Warnings

• Start slow and don't worry if you have a difficult time mastering this step. Keep practicing to get quicker.