Born out of Brazilian rave culture and perpetuated by online video tutorials, the Rebolation dance is yet another bit of choreography that allows dancers to appear as if they are floating about the dance floor. The key is to take the Portuguese translation of Rebolation to heart when performing the dance; from the verb rebolar, the word means "to sway" or "to swing." Moving forward, the Rebolation dancer merely kicks his or her feet out in exaggerated fashion while walking, using the heels as a pivot for the turning of the opposing foot. In reverse, it is the balls of the feet that serve as a pivot point.
Performing the Rebolation takes a little practice, but not much. It is best to start with the forward movements. The left or right foot is kicked out abruptly to plant the heel, as the other foot is brought to a plant at a perpendicular angle. The lead foot is then planted by lowering the ball of the foot to the floor to a position that is perfectly parallel to the rear foot. The walk is then continued by kicking out the next natural walking step.
Moving backward requires a slight variation on the forward steps. A quick cross-kick to the rear, planting the ball of the foot, allows the dancer to pivot the lead foot in the opposing angle. That lead foot can then be swung backward and planted behind the other, also at an opposing angle. This motion allows for a fluid-looking rear movement.
The rest of the body remains rather upright and rigid during the most basic Rebolation steps. These two movements, however, form the cornerstone to several variations of choreography. The arms are rotated for balance and to convey a sense that the body is floating. Often, after a particular electronic song is well underway and the dancer has warmed up with some forward or backward steps, a variety of other moves are undertaken in the Rebolation style.
Some more advanced Rebolation moves involve more exaggerated kicks or shooting the body out toward the side instead of the front or back. Others involve quick turns or spins. Though the footwork is often flurried and intricate, the overall effect is a fluidity that seems to suspend gravity. This dance is a close cousin to some other rave staples, namely the boxed-in Melbourne shuffle or the moonwalk in break-dancing circles.
