14 Shuffle in the Shoulders

COURSE: The Blues Shuffle

FOCUS: This lesson teaches how to incorporate the shuffle rhythm into shoulder movements while maintaining a basic step, aiming to enhance dance fluidity and reduce robotic appearance.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Imagine strings pulling your scapula down repeatedly to initiate the shoulder shuffle.
• Keep your neck long to avoid tension while performing the shoulder movements.
• Start with either the right or left shoulder, as it doesn't matter for this exercise.
• Practice walking around the room while maintaining the basic step and shoulder shuffle.
• Breathe out to relax and improve dance flow during the shuffle.
• If you get lost, go back to walking without the shuffle to regain composure.

REMEMBER:

• The shoulder shuffle should not affect your footwork; keep the same stepping quality.
• Focus on moving from a robotic to a more dancer-like appearance with practice.
• Integrate the shuffle rhythm on top of the basic step without changing foot movements.
• Maintain consistency in shoulder and foot coordination to avoid losing the rhythm.
• Use the imagery of pulled strings to guide the down motion in the shoulders.
• Practice with music to enhance timing and feel of the blues shuffle.