By: Desiree (@beautifulruin)
Hi, I'm Desiree and I will be the voice behind today's blog for Freedom Rave Wear (whom, btw, is incredible at rave fashion!) I have recently been on a journey to physically better my health and shed some fat. While on my journey, I have been in a calorie deficit and so far, lost 17 pounds. By keeping a positive focus, I can continue to move forward and grow. Connect with me on Instagram and feel free to reach out. IG: @beautifulruin Explore our full collection of browse rave outfits for more festival-ready styles.
Why I Wanted to Learn Shuffling
I have always wanted to be great at shuffling since I was in high school. I taught myself the running man and some simple steps during that time and went to the small local raves with friends. In my growing love for EDM and raves, I found @shuffle_babes account on Instagram. I thought to myself that it would be impossible to be able to shuffle like the AMAZING babes I saw on their feed. Specifically, because I have a heavy bust that can be an inconvenience at times.
But here's the thing about the rave community—we don't let physical challenges stop us from expressing ourselves. Whether you're rocking plus size rave outfits or finding the right support for high-impact dancing, there's always a solution. The festival floor is where we become our most authentic selves, and shuffling is one of the most powerful ways to own that space.
Dance Support Tips for Women with Larger Busts
A major tip for women with larger bust: What works for me is just doubling up on sports bras. I wear a regular sports bra and one that swoops closer to my neck. This minimizes the bounce as much as possible. High-impact sports bras can also do the trick but can often be pricey.
Another pro tip? Look for rave bodysuits with built-in support or compression fabric. Many festival dancers swear by bodysuits because they stay in place during intense movement and provide that extra layer of security. Pair them with a quality sports bra and you're unstoppable on the dance floor.
My Experience with Shuffle Babes Dance Class
Val of Shuffle Babes (@sb.val) hosts her classes at studios located in Los Angeles County. I was able to check her availability on the Booksy account in her IG bio and schedule a personal shuffle class. To say the least, Val is amazing! She was nice and patient with me. She truly made me feel comfortable to be able to dance with someone I had just met. She has such a great vibe!
To start she asked me where I was in shuffling. Then I showed the steps which I knew. Slowly but surely, I learned a variety of new steps that she choreographed for the Shuffle Babes Bootcamp. Val teaches that group class on select Thursdays at 8:45 pm.
What I Learned in My First Class
I was surprised by how well I caught on to most of the choreography. It was also a great workout and I got my cardio in for the day. There was also a point during the class where I stopped thinking about it so much and found my feet hitting every step. It was so much more fun once I got to shuffle to music. I feel like there was a lot learned in one class which I couldn't have taught myself by watching a video.
After I caught on to the choreo, Val recommended I record myself to see what it looks like. It's safe to say I was on point! I was extremely proud of myself. To push myself out of my comfort zone and learn something new which I had always wanted to do. Not to mention, I got a good workout while doing so.
The feeling of finally nailing those moves? It's the same rush you get when you walk into a festival wearing the perfect rave outfit that makes you feel like the main character. It's about transformation—from someone who watches shufflers in awe to someone who IS a shuffler.
Pros and Cons of Learning to Shuffle
Here is a list of simple pros v. cons I made:
Pros:
- Outlet for Self-Expression
- Cardio workout (burn 300-500 calories per hour!)
- Flex on the gram
- Shuffle your butt off at raves and festivals
- Satisfaction and confidence boost
- Instant connection with other shufflers at festivals
- Perfect complement to your rave shorts and flow-friendly outfits
Cons:
- It takes time and consistent practice
- You probably will look funny at first (that's OK—we all do!)
- You won't want to stop once you get the hang of it
- Your legs might be sore the next day
Tips for Staying Motivated While Learning
Shuffling is so much fun but just like anything else, it takes some practice. Below are some things to remember:
- Remain determined—progress isn't always linear
- Don't let yourself get discouraged by comparing yourself to experienced shufflers
- Remind yourself why you started—for the love of dance, self-expression, and the rave community
- Don't give up! Every shuffler you admire started exactly where you are now
- Film yourself regularly to track your progress
- Join online shuffle communities for support and inspiration
What to Wear for Shuffle Practice and Festivals
For practice sessions, comfort is key. You want breathable fabrics that move with you and don't restrict your range of motion. I personally love wearing supportive rave tops during practice because they're designed for high-energy movement.
When it's time to hit the festival and show off your new skills, that's when you bring out the statement pieces. Imagine shuffling under the lights at your next festival, feeling the bass drop as your outfit catches every beam—that's the moment you've been practicing for. That's when all those hours of running mans and T-steps pay off, and you become part of the energy that makes festivals unforgettable.
Final Thoughts: You're One Class Away
Looking back, taking that first shuffle class with Val was one of the best decisions I made for my festival journey. It wasn't just about learning steps—it was about claiming my space on the dance floor, building confidence, and connecting deeper with rave culture.
If you've been watching shuffle videos and thinking "I could never do that," I'm here to tell you: Yes, you can. You're not the type to stay on the sidelines anyway. Take the class. Put in the practice. And soon you'll be the one inspiring others at festivals.
See you on the dance floor, rave fam. Keep shuffling, keep expressing, and never stop being your most authentic self.
