The Buffalo is a fundamental and energetic traveling tap dance step that combines a shuffle, a hop, and a leap. It's often used to move across the floor with a distinct rhythmic pattern.
How to Perform a Buffalo Tap Dance Step
The Buffalo tap step is a rhythmic and dynamic movement essential to many tap dance routines. It's characterized by its forward-moving momentum and is typically executed by alternating feet, allowing dancers to travel across the stage.
Understanding the Components of a Buffalo
The Buffalo step is built upon three primary actions that blend seamlessly into one another:
- Shuffle: A two-part brush sound made by the ball of the foot (forward then backward).
- Hop: A jump off one foot, landing back on the same foot.
- Leap: A transfer of weight from one foot to another with a momentary suspension in the air.
Step-by-Step Guide to Executing a Buffalo
To perform a Buffalo tap step, follow these sequential movements. We'll outline the steps starting with the right foot as the primary working foot for clarity:
- Starting Position: Begin with your weight balanced, typically on your left foot, with your right foot free and ready to move.
- The Shuffle:
- Initiate a shuffle with your right foot. This involves brushing the ball of your foot forward against the floor, followed immediately by brushing it backward. This creates two distinct sounds.
- Tip: Keep your knee soft and relaxed to allow for a clean, quick brush.
- The Hop:
- As your right foot completes its backward brush, hop on your standing left foot. This hop provides the upward momentum needed for the next phase of the step.
- Focus: The hop should be light and quick, barely lifting you off the floor.
- The Leap and Dynamic Weight Transfer:
- Immediately after the hop, leap forward onto your right foot. This action propels your body weight forward, creating the traveling motion of the step.
- During or directly following this leap, you will dynamically lean back onto your left foot (the foot that just hopped) as you simultaneously bring your right foot in front. This specific weight shift and foot placement are crucial for maintaining balance, setting up the rhythm, and smoothly transitioning into the next repetition or a different step. This positioning often creates a distinct visual line with your legs.
- As you finalize the leap and weight transfer, your left foot should naturally lift off the ground, poised and ready to become the next working foot.
Rhythmic Count Example: A common rhythmic count for a single Buffalo is "and-a-1," where "and" represents the shuffle, "a" is the hop, and "1" is the leap and landing.
Key Elements for a Polished Buffalo
To achieve a clean and powerful Buffalo, consider these elements:
- Rhythm and Timing: Ensure a clear, even rhythm for each component (shuffle-hop-leap).
- Balance: Maintain core engagement to stabilize yourself, especially during the hop and weight transfer.
- Flow and Continuity: The step should feel like a continuous, fluid motion without awkward pauses between the shuffle, hop, and leap.
- Sound Clarity: Aim for distinct sounds for each part of the shuffle, hop (if desired, a soft sound), and the landing of the leap.
- Arm Movement: Natural arm swings can aid balance and enhance the visual appeal of the step.
| Component | Action | Foot Used (Example: Right Start) | Typical Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuffle | Brush forward (toe tap), then brush backward (heel tap) | Right foot | Sh-fl |
| Hop | Quick lift off and landing on the supporting foot | Left foot | (Quiet) Hop |
| Leap | Step/jump forward, transferring weight to the new foot | Right foot lands | Tap (on landing) |
Common Variations and Tips for Practice
- Alternating Buffaloes: Most commonly, dancers perform Buffaloes in a continuous sequence, alternating the starting foot (e.g., Right Buffalo, then Left Buffalo).
- Traveling Direction: While typically a forward-traveling step, Buffaloes can be angled or adapted to move in different directions.
- Styling: Dancers often infuse personal style through arm positions, body turns, or varying the dynamic levels of the hop and leap.
- Practice Slowly: Start by breaking down each component. Once comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.
Learning to master the Buffalo tap step is a rewarding part of tap dance, building both rhythmic precision and dynamic movement crucial for various choreographies.
