MSO (Melbourne Shuffle Oldskool): June 2012

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Global Shuffle 1990-2010 DVD

Global Shuffle 1990:2010 - DVD Out Now !
$14.95 + shipping
80 Mins
PG13+
16:9 Widescreen
5:1 (big bass) Audio
(Xtreme) Color
Some Strobe lighting
DVD, Download, Rent, thru Amazon
BUY: $14.95 thru Amazon

GLOBAL SHUFFLE

On the edge of the planet, next stop south pole, there is a city that speaks over 200 languages.
They have one dance, The MELBOURNE SHUFFLE.

Now it's gone Global

We follow the development of this distinctive and much loved underground dance style, from the dark murky dance floors of a recession ravaged Melbourne underground arts community in the early 1990's, to the global dance style of choice by todays online generation born during it's creation.

Directed by Melbourne born and based artist Garry Shepherd GLOBAL SHUFFLE 1990:2010 presents the most creative and significant Melbourne Shufflers and shuffle moves over 20 years, Using rare original archival shuffle footage and interviews shot by Shepherd combined with new footage from todays international shufflers, the documentary examines the impact of Melbourne Shuffle culture with it's inclusive tolerant no-hate ethos, in a world typically at war with itself.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

The shuffle community today is principally an online culture. Not based on text, music, or photos. Based on movement. Not until Youtube could we communicate meaningfully about dance.

Dance is learnt by imitation, and it’s difficult to describe movement in text especially when you have no common point of reference. Jump ? How high ? But a few seconds of footage and everybody is clear on it.

The dance language succeeds by crossing spoken/text language barriers and can be engaged at a primary level regardless of spoken language.

There is no spoken language basis in Shuffling, no rap, no lyrics, no singing, no word based poetry. They can be included at will, but Shuffling is predominantly visual communication. Dance, gesture movement, visual arts, fashion. Shuffling is a multidiscipline arts based culture.

The shufflers write, shoot, edit, add music, text, logos, video effects to their short film productions, as well as dance in them. Unknown to many shufflers of today, they are imitating the original shuffle culture, which began in a Melbourne underground TV studio.

So it’s to this audience (though not exclusively ) I’ve chosen the structural narrative for Global Shuffle. It’s a visual and movement language showing the development of moves and style over 20 years. Comparing or contrasting todays shufflers with the oldskool, featuring outstanding performances and artists, and generally trying to have a fun time about it.

Shuffling is a feel good culture. We figure the real world has enough bad stuff for us if we really want it, but we don’t. Give us good friends, a safe place and a smooth bit of floor and we’re happy !

Garry Shepherd Global Shuffle – Director

For discussion, Melbourne Shuffle tutorial, history and scenes from the movie, please see the MSO Forum

ABOUT: The origins, history, culture of the underground dance style called the Melbourne Shuffle, commonly called 'shuffling'.

> The Shuffle mission : To really give a damn (Scooter. J'adore hardcore)

> This is a Melbourne Australia based blog by Melbourne born and based artist Garry Shepherd

> The Melbourne Shuffle was created in the underground arts community of Melbourne (Australia) in the early 1990's.

> The Melbourne Shuffle has 3 main genre's: Party, Rock and Goth. Each genre has it's own distinctive moves, fashion, art and lifestyles.

> There are no fixed steps in shuffling. It is largely a free form dance tradition. Each shuffler has a set of moves they shuffle around to suit their mood and setting.

> Shuffling skill is judged on the choice, sequence and presentation of the moves. Individual shufflers are encouraged to create their own moves to mix in with established moves.

> Shuffling can be done anywhere at anytime, alone or with others. Original oldskool shufflers broadcast their moves on underground TV in the 1990's. Today, Youtube is the favored medium.

> The Melbourne Shuffle has it's own unique dance pants called, PHATS.

In the time of the ancients, the Melbourne Shuffle was originally called STOMPING

Locals pronounce Melbourne - Mel-BeN

ERA's
Oldskool: 1990-96.
Commercial: 1997-2003
Global: 2006-today

DANCE CONCEPT
The Melbourne Shuffle is a dance concept. It uses all sorts of moves like building blocks, and you shuffle these moves around to suit your mood. The basic moves are easy to learn, but will take years of regular practice to reach pro level.

SHUFFLE MOVES
Stomps, turns, spins, shuffles, back steps, hand moves, lifts, jumps, hops, arm moves, elbow moves, hi-kicks, lo-kicks, glides, running man, kick behind, ...and always adding ;)

SHUFFLE GENRE'S
Oldskool, Hardstyle, Rock, Competition, Freestyle, Group Formation

SHUFFLE TERMS
Style: A collection of shuffle moves.
Sequence: A fixed order of shuffle moves.
Routine: A choreographed combination of shuffle moves.
Meet-Up: A casual gathering of Shufflers usually free in a public place, mall, carpark etc, to meet other shufflers and Shuffle.

Shuffle Vid: A youtube video of someone shuffling.

Shuffle Comp: A shuffle competition for individuals and crews.

Shuffle Crew: A group of friends who are interested in Shuffling.

Shuffle Team: A shuffle crew who perform or compete in Shuffle competitions.

Pro: An experienced and talented Shuffler.

> SHUFFLE CULTURE
Shuffle is 'All about the DANCE'. It's a dance culture, the Shufflers are the focal point. Where as RAVE culture is 'All about the music' it's a DJ culture, where the DJ's are the focal point.

> SHUFFLE RULES
The Shuffle saying 'There are no rules' came from the reality nobody in the oldskool would bother obeying them ;) But here's some general principles we're happy with.

> The Shuffle is based on freedom and mutual respect. Violence, hate, aggression, racism and sexism are not tolerated. The real world has plenty of that, and Shufflers are not interested in them.

> There is no restriction to creative freedom in shuffling. You can Shuffle to Express and Impress.

> The Shuffle can be danced solo or in a group. Both male and female can Shuffle.

> Group Shuffling can be unstructured like at a meet-up or structured in a Crew.

> The Shuffle can be spontaneous freeform or a choreographed style.

> You can Shuffle for fun, fitness, art or comps, or all the above. There are no restrictions.

> There is no limit to where you can Shuffle. In the street, carpark, mall, dance party, at home, outdoors in a forest, a city, a suburb, where ever you want to.

> Individual Shufflers are encouraged to add moves to the artform. Saying the Melbourne Shuffle is just one set of steps, is like saying spinning on your head is the only dance move in hip-hop.

> And who decides which new moves are part of the Melbourne Shuffle? Anybody! It's an inclusive artform. The Shufflers make it what it is.