Dancing
The name "Melbourne shuffle" has been derived from overseas DJs, party goers, visitors and the media trying to describe this phenomenon. 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 have simply called it the "shuffle" since 1992.
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 to the soles of their shoes.
Two main components of the Melbourne shuffle that remain largely consistent are the component moves "Running man" and "Shuffle". The "Running man" involves a stomp forward followed by a slide backwards with the same foot, the other foot repeats the action leading to a running-on-the-spot motion. The "Shuffle" is a fast sideways heel-toe motion on one foot twisting at the ankle. The dance is embellished by spins, arm pumps and jumps.
