Dean Collins' Version of the Shim Sham with Marcus and Bärbl The Shim Sham originated as a tap dance choreographed by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant in 1928. Intended for a show finale that could be done by all the performers it was adopted by many dancers and became one the most well-known and wide-spread routines of all time. It is danced around the world today! One of those dancers was Dean Collins, the most influential Lindy Hop dancer on the West Coast. His non-tap version became very popular around the world. Based on the original Shim Sham he spiced up the footwork and extended the original routine with additional steps. This fun dance can be danced alone, next to a partner or with a huge crowd. Dean Collins' Version of the Shim Sham Price: $34.95

Leonard Reed's Shim Sham Shimmy Including: The Original Shim Sham (1927) The Freeze Chorus (circa 1930) The Shim Sham II (1994) If you've been tap dancing for years or are just putting on your first pair of tap shoes, you'll be able to learn the Shim Sham Shimmy. On this video, you will see a demonstration of the dance by a group of talented and ageless (7-75!) tappers and hear an introduction by Leonard Reed himself. Next, tap dancer and preservationist Rusty Frank breaks down the Shim Sham Shimmy, the Freeze Chorus, and the Shim Sham II, using the same accessible methods she's used in hundreds of tap classes. Leonard Reed's Shim Sham Shimmy, DVD Price: $30.95 DVD-R format (no region coding), PC/MAC Compatible CUSTOMER REVIEW "I'm an advanced tapper, and tap instructor - years ago I was in a tap troupe in San Francisco, and was in a performance or two with Rusty Frank, the producer of, and instructor in this video. I found this tape to be a solid, yet enjoyable documentation of Leonard Reed's Shim Sham Shimmy. There are many forms of it in this video, and all are presented in such a way that, for the beginning tapper it might require a bit of rewinding at first, but because she gives two slower first run-throughs that are shot from behind her feet, the viewer gets a good look at what her feet are doing, and shouldn't be difficult to learn the steps. Everything takes a little bit of work, and diligence, after all. For the intermediate to advanced tapper it's terrific! I found myself fast-forwarding through the slower repetitions of the combinations, to what she so nicely refers to as "The Brighter" version, meaning faster. It's eventually done to music, so there is a good progression from basics to performance level. She's a wonderful tapper, and this video is a lovely homage to one of the greats. I'm glad to see she's still tapping!" G. Caldwell

The Shim Sham (non-tap version)

Most commonly danced to "Tuxedo Junction" (on "Really Swingin� Frankie Manning�s Favorites" CD) and also now to Bill Elliott�s "Shim Sham Song" on Swingin the Century. However, it can be danced to any song with the same structure.

STEPS (this is not full detail, but an outline for you)

Shim Sham           R, L, R, R,    L, R, L, L,     R, L, R, R 

Break                    R, touch L, L, touch R, back R, Back L, Forward R, forward L

Pushes                  Push (to the R), Push and a - cross over, Repeat to L, Repeat to R

Cross Overs         3 times

Tacky Annies       Starts on AND (&), &-8 (R-L), touch R behind on 1, on 2 step R, on 3 touch L behind, etc.)

Break

2 � Breaks           Fall forward on 8 on R, back on L, then shuffle-ball-change (R, R, L). 2 in a row.

Break

2 � Breaks

Break

***REPEAT ENTIRE
Except: now on the Shim Sham � shimmy your shoulders, and

Freeze on the Breaks instead of doing the breaks

FINALE:

4 Boogie Backs       Kick R, ball change (R,L) (count is 8 & 1) (Clap while you kick R). 4 in a row heading back. Takes 1 8 count.

Boogie Walk           Walk forward � R, L, R, L. Takes 1 8 count.

Boogie Backs          same as above

Boogie Walk           same as above

Boogie Back            Again (for the third time)

Shorty George         Forward. Kick with R, ball change (R,L) (count is 8 & 1), R, L, R, L, R, L (last L is on 7 and you are ready to kick 8 on R again for�.

Boogie Backs         same as above

Shorty George         same as above

GRAB A PARTNER!

DANCE!

FREEZE!

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