How to Execute a Shuffle Ball Change

One of the basic steps in tap dancing is called shuffle ball change. If you tap dance, you’re going to do this step sooner or later and most likely sooner and you will undoubtedly incorporate it into your dances most of the time. It’s fundamental and essential and many other steps are derived from shuffle ball change.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Put on your tap shoes. If you don't have any check out the dance wear sites online and pick up a pair. The easiest shoes to begin tapping with have two-inch heels. The non-heeled shoes are for children. Order toe and heel taps that go with the shoes you've ordered. You'll have to screw the taps into your shoes, which isn't a big deal.

2. Steady yourself by putting your hand on the wall (or holding a ballet bar if you just happen to have one in your house). Stand up straight. Do not lilt toward the wall. Start with your right foot. Brush forward, brush back and then step down on your right foot. When you are brushing frontward and backward the heel is not involved. You only use the ball of your foot. Try this (shuffle step) on your left foot. Try it again on the right foot. Step away from the wall, place your arms out to your sides for balance and repeat the shuffle step on your right and left foots. The count is: one-and-two.

3. Now we’re going to progress to a shuffle ball change. You might want to steady yourself by placing your hand on the wall again. With your right foot, brush forward and then brush back (using the ball of your foot only), step (down on your right foot) and then step down on your left foot (which is the ‘change’). Shuffle ball change. The count has changed and is now: and-one-and-two. Repeat it on your left foot. Shuf (and) fle (one) ball (and) change (two).Move away from the wall, put your arms out for balance, and do three shuffle ball changes on your right foot. The fourth time you do it simply do shuffle step so that your left foot is free. Do three shuffle ball changes on the left foot, ending up with a shuffle step (the fourth time) so that your right foot is free.

4. Put on some music. Try to do this step in time to the music. If the music is too fast, find something slower. As you get more comfortable, pick up the tempo. Do it faster. Remember not to involve your heel. In tap dancing, you dance on the ball of your foot unless you’re specifically instructed to use your heel.

5. Tap dancing is great fun and a tremendous work out for your legs and feet and your cardiovascular system. Try to locate a tap class for adults. You won’t regret it and you might even end up on a stage somewhere doing high kicks.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to dance on a slippery floor. Wood floors are best.