How to Do the Tone Whip in Reggaeton Dance

Reggaeton has been one of the most popular music and dance styles in Latin America since the early 1990s and is now gaining prominence in the United States. Characterized by sensual lyrics and gyrating dance moves, reggaeton combines Latin classics such as merengue and salsa with modern hip hop. The tone whip is just one example of many reggaeton moves you can begin practicing today.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice the reggaeton tone whip, and other dance steps, until the movements are smooth and fluid. Reggaeton is characterized by its seemingly elastic moves, so work on each step until perfected, and then begin to work on speed.

2. Stand with your feet a bit further than shoulder width apart and your toes pointed comfortably out. On the first beat, rotate your heels out so that your toes are now pointing in. On the second beat, bring your feet back to their original position.

3. Lift your right knee on the third beat and then bring it back to the floor on the fourth beat. Repeat the heel rotation movement, and lift the right knee again. Continue the tone whip, always lifting the same knee.

4. Add some arms to the motion, pushing your arms out in front of you and crossing at the wrists as your heels push out. Bend your elbows and lift your hands, snapping your fingers as you lift your knee.

5. Make the reggaeton tone whip your own by personalizing the movement. You can alter the hand movements, or alternate knees when lifting. With practice, you can even make the tone whip move you around the dance floor instead of remaining stationary.