Rebolation
A Brazilian rave dance with sliding footwork and loose arm movements.
Rebolation is a Brazilian step dance born in early 2000s rave parties. It features loose arm swings and coordinated footwork that creates a hovering effect on the floor.
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- Originated in Brazilian rave parties in the early 2000s.
- Gained popularity via YouTube videos starting in 2007.
- Creates a hovering effect using specific heel-pivot footwork.
- Often performed to psy trance or electro house music.
- Also known as Free Step due to a 2009 music video.
What is Rebolation?
Rebolation is a solo street dance from Brazil. Dancers move their arms loosely while performing specific footwork. This combination makes them appear to slide or hover just above the ground. The style emerged in rave culture during the early 2000s. It gained global attention after videos were shared online around 2007.
Where does Rebolation come from?
The dance started at Brazilian rave parties in the early 2000s. Many consider it Brazil's version of the Melbourne Shuffle. The name comes from the Portuguese verb rebolar, meaning to sway. Some dancers initially called it reboleixon. A similar South African dance called stepping began in 2006, but Rebolation grew through internet videos. A popular 2008 video by Ralph Morente helped spread its fame.
How is Rebolation danced?
Dancers use a pivot step where the heel acts as a center point. The front foot turns inward while the back foot rotates backward. Moving backwards reverses this motion. Loose hand movements add to the illusion of drifting. The feet coordinate to create a smooth, floating appearance across the floor surface.
Rebolation, drawn
The music of Rebolation
The dance is performed to electronic music. Common genres include psy trance and electro house. The fast tempo matches the quick footwork. In 2009, a reggae-influenced Axé music video used the name Rebolation. This song was unrelated to the actual dance community or electronic scene.
Costume and what is carried
Dancers often wear casual street clothes. Flat tennis shoes or sneakers help with smooth movement. Some choose neon shuffle pants or phat pants. These trousers may feature UV reflective tape or glitter. Light-up shoes are also popular choices for the rave aesthetic.
When and where Rebolation is danced
People dance Rebolation at social gatherings and raves. It became famous through online performance videos. YouTube uploads in 2008 showcased the style to wider audiences. The dance is passed on through digital sharing rather than formal schools. Anyone can learn the basic steps independently.
Styles of Rebolation
Some dancers refer to the style as Free Step. This name change occurred after a 2009 music video release. The video used the term but did not connect to the original dance community. The core movement remains consistent across different interpretations.
What Rebolation means
Rebolation represents Brazilian electronic music culture. It spread rapidly through internet platforms like YouTube. The dance reflects the energy of rave parties. It shares similarities with other international step dances. Its popularity demonstrates how online videos can launch global dance trends.
Questions people ask about Rebolation
Where does Rebolation come from?
It originated in Brazil during the early 2000s rave scene. The name comes from the Portuguese word rebolar, meaning to sway. It developed alongside electronic music culture before spreading online.
What music is played for Rebolation?
Dancers typically perform to electronic music. Genres like psy trance and electro house are common. The fast beat supports the quick, sliding footwork patterns used in the dance.
How do you make the hovering effect?
Use your heel as a pivot point. Turn the front foot inward while rotating the back foot backward. Keep your arms loose to enhance the drifting illusion across the floor.
Why is it also called Free Step?
A 2009 Axé music video titled Rebolation changed the name to Free Step. This video was unrelated to the actual dance community. Many dancers still use both terms interchangeably.
Good reading and sources
- Rebolation on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- Wikidata recordOpen data
- Videos of Rebolation on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by EveryGhunghroo
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Rebolation", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryGhunghroo rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it describes the dance in outline: it is not a lesson. Traditions differ from one teacher, village or family to the next. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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