Dancing

The origins of the name "Melbourne Shuffle" are unknown. The term was first brought to the public attention by Sonic Animation's Rupert Keiller during a TV interview in Sydney. The Age referred to it as looking like "a cross between the chicken dance and a foot stomping robot" to the untrained eye,^[1] but locals simply called it "stomping".
Some dancers sprinkle talcum powder or apply liquid to the floor beneath their feet to help them glide more easily, some including 360 degree spins or jumps into their moves.^[1] Others apply smooth plastic tape or duct tape to the soles of their shoes.
Originally consisting of the "T-Step" combined with arm movements, during recent years the "Running Man" has also been adopted into many common styles, accentuating the new focus of keeping time with the beat. The "Running man" involves a stomp forward followed by a single or double hop backwards with the same foot, the other foot repeats the action leading to a running-on-the-spot motion. The "T-Step" is a fast sideways heel-toe motion on one foot twisting at the ankle. The dance is embellished by spins, arm pumps, slides, and kicks.
Hardstyle is performed to music that features a fast 4/4 beat (also known as a 'four-on-the-floor' beat), and is normally accompanied by a heavy, booming (or hollow) bass. For this reason, many people in the US and Europe incorrectly refer to the "shuffle" as just "hardstyle". This is despite the term "hardstyle" being an umbrella term for many different rave dances globally, as well as a genre of electronic music. Hardstyle is a rave dance, while most other styles were typically performed in clubs and dance parties.

[edit] Media

The Melbourne Shuffle dance style has remained relatively underground since its birth in the late '80s and early '90s. The term "Melbourne Shuffle" was recorded in the media when Sonic Animation's Rupert Keiller was interviewed by Rage, an all-night Australian music TV show.^[5] The interviewer asked Rupert what his unique style of dance was and the reply was "the Melbourne Shuffle". In December 2002 The Age, an Australian newspaper, made mention of the term in a front page article,^[1] attempting to illustrate what the popular Melbourne Shuffle was for the first time to the mainstream public.
Malaysian students studying in Melbourne originally learned the Melbourne Shuffle at local clubs and parties. They then showed people how to do it when they returned home.^[6]
Shufflers have taken their art form and self-expressive dance style overseas and are a regular sight to be seen at rave parties in the UK, Germany, Malaysia and also Thailand, where shufflers can be seen shuffling on the beaches of Koh Phangan during the Full Moon Beach Party. The internet has also been a factor in spreading knowledge and interest in the shuffle.
In 2004, Six Flags launched an ad campaign featuring Mr. Six, an old man who performed the Melbourne Shuffle as well as Jumpstyle and Techtonik.^[7]
A documentary on the topic entitled Melbourne Shuffler^[3] was in production during 2004–2005 and was released in late 2005 on DVD. Another huge contributor to the fame and popularity of the Melbourne Shuffle is YouTube. Every shuffler and shuffle crew found themselves able to support the Melbourne Shuffle and show off their own style and moves; these videos captured everyone's attention.
On 6 September 2008, Network 10 had started filming footage at the Hard Style Dance (HSD).^[8] Nightclub for an upcoming Documentary on the Melbourne Shuffle, although no other news has surfaced after the filming of the footage.
In November 2008, "So You Think You Can Shuffle",^[9] an Australian YouTube-based video voting competition website was launched, where Shufflers from around the country can showcase their dance skills, comment, and vote on other videos. Starting in 2009 "So You Think You Can Shuffle" also started hosting official shuffle meet-ups and competitions around Australia and Germany.
In December 2008, The Daily Mercury, a Queensland publication, reported on a story about the Melbourne Shuffle's presence in Mackay. It cited the city's high YouTube exposure when compared to other major cities in Queensland. [1]
In 2009, MSO, a Melbourne-based company that produces robotics, rave clothing, music, and art began production on a documentary titled "GLOBAL SHUFFLE 1990:2010". Scheduled for release in 2011, the film contains rare footage from Melbourne's underground dance scene in the '90s and documents the invention and evolution of the Melbourne Shuffle. It will feature involvement from the likes of Dr3kar, Shifter Hardstyle Prodigy, Euphemism, Matthew Moyle, Television Unlimited and Global Village^{[disambiguation needed]}.
The official music video for The Black Eyed Peas single "The Time" briefly features dancers (including apl.de.ap himself) in a night club performing the Melbourne Shuffle.
The Electro Hop group LMFAO featured several electro house dancers performing the shuffle in their "Party Rock Anthem" music video. LMFAO also organized an online shuffle contest for their video, the winner appeared in their Party Rock Anthem video. LMFAO are seen doing the Shuffle in the music videos for their singles Champagne Showers, Sexy and I Know It, Sorry for Party Rocking.