How to Dance Cumbia

Cumbia is a dance (and a type of Latin music) from Colombia that originated with the African slaves along the Atlantic coast. For years, Cumbia was known mostly as a "street" style of dance and considered vulgar by many in the upper classes. Today, Cumbia is gaining in popularity and is taught in many places around the US and the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Check out your local area listings for Cumbia classes. Places that offer salsa instruction often will teach Cumbia as well. Taking a class doesn't usually require a partner and can be a great way to meet other people interested in Latin American dances.
2. Order a dance video. If your area hasn't caught onto the Latin dance craze yet, a video is one way you can learn the steps without leaving home. You may need to recruit a dance partner, so invite over some friends and have a "learn to dance Cumbia" night.
3. Go out. Visit Latino dance clubs in your area. Often, people dance Cumbia to salsa music even though you can't salsa to Cumbia. Look for dances that have long pauses between their first and last three steps. Cumbia tends to involve back steps that keep the dance moving in a circular fashion.
4. Ask a friend or family member who knows Latin dance. Many people learn Cumbia because their parents and grandparents danced it. Cumbia, called "El Swing" in Costa Rica, wasn't taught formally for decades. Most picked it up along the way like any other traditional folk dance or new dance craze.
5. Encourage dance schools, community colleges, universities and public schools in your community to offer Latin dance instruction or invite dancers to perform. Not only will this help you learn Cumbia, it will also create interest in Latin dances.

Tips & Warnings

• You may see some of the more traditional Cumbia dances practiced at festivals or recitals. These usually require the woman to wear a flouncy skirt and the men often carry handkerchiefs. Sometimes the dancers use candles.