How to Do a Treble Shuffle in Tap Dancing

A shuffle step in tap dancing is sometimes referred to as a treble (denoting three sounds). A quick treble is done to the count of "and a 1," whereas a slow treble would be done to the count of "8 and 1." The difference is that the "and a" shuffle is done faster, with the emphasis on the "a" or back brush of the shuffle, whereas the "8 and" shuffle is done evenly, with neither brush, forward nor backward being emphasized.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tap shoes

1. Step left (1) shuffle on your right (and 2), then leap onto your right foot.

2. Step on your left foot behind your right foot.

3. Hop on your left.

4. Shuffle (quick treble--"and a") on your right foot.

5. Put the steps of the treble shuffle together: Step shuffle leap, step hop shuffle. Remember the count: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and a.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice doing your shuffles. Listen to the difference in the sound and feel of the step when you emphasize the back brush, as opposed to doing the frontward and backward brushes evenly.