Gumbies Ambassador Series: UK Shuffle Team, Dottz Brown
We’re thrilled to welcome Dottz Brown as a Gumbies Ambassador. A self-taught dancer and community member of the UK Shuffle Team, Dottz brings energy, artistry, and a deep sense of purpose to every step. Whether he's training on the streets of London or performing across Europe, he moves not just for rhythm, but for wellbeing, connection, and expression. We caught up with him to find out more about his journey, his crew, and his thoughts on dancing in our Woolfit sneakers.
How did you first get into dancing?
Back in 2009, I was in the playground at school and saw a group of boys watching a YouTube video on a mobile phone—one of the very first dance videos of C-Walkers at a meetup in Trafalgar Square. That one C-Walk 5-way video inspired thousands of us around the world to take up this complex footwork style. For over 16 years, I’ve met up with friends and danced in the streets, practising our art form, performing around the world, and sharing our culture with all who love to dance. It's an art form that brings people together and motivates us all to move, to feel free, and to hone a skill we can be proud of.
What do you enjoy most about it, especially when it comes to keeping active, creating headspace, or looking after your body?
Dance has become an artistic outlet—it’s like a mobile meditation, a purge of energy built up from professional work and office life. We take to the streets, flow with the music, and flourish in the joyful energy we all have to deliver. London can be a very oppressive professional environment, so via dance, we experience the same soulless spaces with a whole new life and energy. We make a stage on any street and bring life to a city's dead zone.
Do you do anything specific to recover or stay feeling good after dancing a lot?
As a result of actively practising dance and honing our art form, we naturally stay quite healthy. We don't smoke or drink significantly, preferring to stay hydrated and light—ready to give it our all during meetups. Nothing is more valuable than lungs full of fresh air, the deep vibrations of a good bassline, and a sea of smiles enjoying freely accessible art.
Can you tell us a bit about your crew – how did it all come together?
We are the UK Shuffle Team: 👉 @ukshuffleteam
A dance community was formed during the 2020 COVID lockdowns, spanning the entire UK through friendships among dancers in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow. For years, we’ve gathered along the London Southbank and Waterloo area to practice and perform dance together—entirely out of our own pockets, costing the public nothing to participate and enjoy our celebration of music and dance.
What do you think dancing brings to people beyond just movement?
Throughout the lockdowns, where social gatherings indoors were impossible, we became a community beacon for adults and kids to join in a socially distanced activity of fitness and fun—literally on the closed doorsteps of the National Theatre and Festival Hall for approximately two years every Sunday, where the weather allowed us. With our weekly dance cyphers in different spots around the city, we entertain people but also freely teach those who come over wanting to learn. Just being around our dances inspires smiles and an infectious artistic outlet. It provides some relief from the harshness of the city.
You and the crew have been road-testing our Woolfit sneakers. How did they feel when you were dancing in them?
The Gumbies Woolfit sneakers are exceptionally light. As a result, they do not impede dancing speed—you can send it without the hindrance of weight or drag. Because of the woolly texture, the shoes breathe quite actively during movement, letting air flow during the dancing heat. The soles are really soft and spongy, which is great for impact absorption and makes the shoes more suited to bouncy house music stepping.
What did the rest of the crew think?
The rest of the crew really liked them too. The soft, bouncy nature was noticed immediately. They also noted that the toe box isn't forceful or crunching at all, not squeezing the toes together within the shoes. Since we dance fast with rapid directional changes, we tie our shoes up very tight, and the soft fabric ensures they are not uncomfortable, even when tightened for a good run.
Have you got a favourite moment or memory from dancing that sticks with you?
A favourite moment of dance for me was when I had the honour of performing as a judge for the Rhythm Revolution annual competition in Berlin. It was a moment where, as a foreign dancer, a crowd of my peers gave me a beautiful stage to introduce myself and showcase my interpretation of the art form. It’s still an amazingly supportive and loving community that I wish to revisit again—a world of dancers from all over, brought together to share our music and our culture.
What would you say to someone just getting into dance?
I'd recommend that everyone find their spirit for dance. It may appear differently and sound differently to all of us, but whatever your style of choice is, the freedom, flow, and relief of dancing seem to always bring a smile to people around us. Although it may seem daunting, dancing and practising with others will always be more uplifting—you can share your energies and find inspiration together.
Anything coming up this year you’re excited about?
My next dance adventure will be to Amsterdam Fusion—a great event with the Amsterdam Ravers. It's a series of community gatherings, experiments, mental and social workshops, and many opportunities to dance.
We’re proud to support Dottz and the UK Shuffle Team with footwear that keeps them moving freely.
Keep an eye out for more content from the crew as they continue to dance, teach, and inspire in streets and cities across Europe. You can follow Dottz on Instagram @dottzbrown and catch more from the crew @ukshuffleteam.
Let’s keep moving.
