How to Perform a Shuffle Off to Buffalo in Tap Dancing

Tap dancing is a popular form of theatrical dance in the United States that stems from African Dance, Irish Step Dancing and English Clog Dancing. Tap shoes are required to get the correct sound in tap dancing, but the steps can be learned barefoot, in hard-soled shoes, or character shoes. A Shuffle Off to Buffalo is one of the most popular tap dancing steps, comprised of three basic steps: the step, the shuffle and the hop. Follow the steps below in order learn how to execute and perform a Shuffle Off to Buffalo.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes or hard-soled shoes
• Wood floor or other hard surface

1. Put on tap shoes or hard-soled shoes and step onto your dancing surface. You will hear the correct sounds much more easily if you are wearing tap shoes.

2. Put your weight on your right leg to start a Shuffle Off to Buffalo to the right side.

3. Step with your left foot, transferring the weight from your right leg to your left leg.

4. Shuffle with the ball of your right foot, keeping the weight on your left leg. A shuffle is two fluid movements, a brush forward with the ball of your foot and then a brush back with the ball of your foot. Continue to keep the weight on your left leg.

5. Transfer your weight to your right leg by hopping on your right foot while bringing your left leg up in front of your right leg. Your knee should be in a 90-degree angle and crossed in front of your right leg.

6. Repeat the steps of the Shuffle off to Buffalo the your left side.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor to ensure that you have no ankle, foot, or back problems.

Resources

• TapDance.org: The Tap Dance Homepage