Dance Your Way to Fitness With These 5 Instagram Shuffler Accounts
Jan 21, 2022
5 min read
It’s the start of a new year, which means gyms are packed with optimistic “New Year’s resolutioners” looking to get fit. If you’re like most people determined to get back into shape this year, but you want to avoid battling the crowds at the gym? Then here’s a perfect at-home cardio exercise that will have you sweating in no time—shuffling!
Shuffling originated in the underground rave scene of Melbourne, Australia, in the late ’80s. Deemed as the “Melbourne Shuffle,” the basic technique includes quick heel-and-toe steps with various hand movements. Originally danced to house and techno music, more variations like cutting shapes evolved as other genres emerged. However, it wasn’t until around 2006 when shuffling stepped into the international spotlight. With the popularity of YouTube on the rise, dancers could now contribute to the online shuffling community by posting their renditions of the dance. With more people learning the dance from others, shuffling took off in the US, providing a new culture for those willing to be taught.
Although YouTube still offers plenty of shuffling videos to be consumed, many shufflers today have accumulated a significant following on Instagram and TikTok. If you want to skip the gym and learn a new at-home exercise that will impress everyone on the dancefloor, then check out these five shuffler accounts!
Elena Cruz
With over 1.3 million followers on TikTok, 640k followers on Instagram, and 127k YouTube subscribers, there’s no denying Elena Cruz is one of the most recognized shufflers. The Miami-based shuffler started shuffling in 2015 after going to her first music festival, Ultra Miami. She uploaded her first shuffling video on YouTube in November of that year, and the rest is history.
Elena’s energy and elegance are indisputable, and her talents helped build an impressive resume. You may recall seeing Elena featured in 3LAU’s music video for “Is It Love,” as well as the video for “Superfly” by THE HOTEL LOBBY, where she’s alongside other shuffle legends Mary Grace, Vanesa Seco, and CiCi. Additionally, she co-starred in the music video for “Back 2 You” by the Electric Polar Bears. Elena offers virtual and in-person classes for a low-cost membership fee on her website called “Every Step With E.”
Follow Elena Cruz on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Gabby J David
Gabby J David is a professional dancer, choreographer, and social media personality with over 350k followers on Instagram and 209k YouTube subscribers. Signed to Go2 Talent Agency and Selter Media, her dance background ranges from ballet and jazz to hip hop.
Outside of dancing, she advocates for people who suffer from neurological disorders, specifically Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). After being diagnosed with CRPS after suffering a foot injury in 2014, Gabby looked to the EDM community to help her get back on her feet.
In an interview with Insomniac, she said, “I’m eternally grateful to the rave community. I would probably still be sitting in my room depressed if these people didn’t take time out of their day to reach out to me.”
The support and recognition helped her kickstart a successful shuffling career. She created the “Electro Shuffle” emote for Fortnite. She was cast as the lead dancer in four of Don Diablo’s music videos, and she scored a sponsorship from ElectricStyles. She’s an inspirational spirit and incredible teacher, so make sure to check out her Instagram for all her latest shuffling videos!
Mary Grace
Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer Mary Grace is best known for her rapid, energetic shuffling style, specifically cutting shapes. Although dancing preoccupies most of her life, she likes to DJ on the side and has released her mixes on SoundCloud.
A natural on-screen talent, she’s featured in music videos spanning multiple genres. In January 2020, she starred in the “Road Runner” video by Rich Redd, Clarence Keith, and Diamond Jewels. After that, she shuffled in “Dance With Me” by Sick Individuals. And was also in the video for ALRT’s bass house bomb “Touch Me.”
Through her original choreography, she’s taught virtual classes and workshops designed to improve technique, creativity, and overall flow. However, as you may notice on her Instagram, she is rocking quite the baby bump, so she’s had to press pause on her classes for now.
Vanesa Seco
Hailing from Colombia, Vanesa Seco is a fitness model and athlete who has made a valuable impact on the dance scene with her shuffling skills. Her follower count speaks for itself; she has garnered over 1 million followers on Instagram and 2.3 million followers on TikTok.
Vanesa pursued her passion for dance by posting dance tutorials on YouTube, her first being from 2017, and after years of steady hard work, she turned her passion into a full-time career. She was featured in a shuffle video for Kaskade and Felix Cartal’s collab “More,” and she’s the CEO of “Diosa By Seco,” a festival fashion brand.
2021 was Vanesa’s biggest year yet. She collaborated with The Hotel Lobby on their single “Gold,” but not as a shuffler this time. Instead, Vanesa showcased her talents in a new light as the singer-songwriter on the track. Vanesa’s shuffling abilities even opened the door for her to be on national TV. She made an appearance in Season 16 of America’s Got Talent along with her shuffling group, “Shuffolution.” Their mission was to raise awareness of shuffling across the globe, aiming for the world to recognize it as a professional style of dance. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the Quarterfinals, but their mission still stands true.
CiCi
CiCi is a professional dancer and content creator based in Los Angeles, CA. She’s been dancing since she was three and has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, and acrobatics.
CiCi fell in love with shuffling and cutting shapes only four years ago. However, with her technical dance training, she’s shuffled her way into becoming one of the most influential shufflers in the game.
CiCi teaches various in-person and virtual classes ranging from basic shuffling skills to acrobats & tricks and even stretching techniques. She also offers private lessons in Los Angeles or via FaceTime, where she designs each session according to her students’ abilities. So if you’re looking for some personalized attention on your journey to becoming a shuffling master, then check out her website to schedule a lesson!
Want more inspiration? Check out these shufflers below!