How to Do a Ladies' Rumba Side Rock Step

The rock step in the rumba is the same for the woman as it is for the man with one exception: the woman will take her cue from the man regarding when to do the rock step. Although she moves in the same direction as the man, she will be moving the opposite feet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin from the rumba box step. Step back on your right foot, back and to the left with your left foot and close with your right foot. Step forward on your left foot, up and to the right with your right foot and close with your left foot. The count is slow, quick-quick, slow, quick-quick.

2. Start the rock step as if you're doing another box step. Step back on your right foot and back and to the left with your left foot (slow, quick). Instead of closing with your right foot, shift your weight back to your right foot without moving your left foot(quick).

3. Close your left foot to your right (slow). Step to the right with your right foot, shifting your weight to that foot (quick), then back to your left foot without moving your right foot (quick).

4. Close with your right foot (slow) and repeat the side rock step as in Step 2.

5. Continue as long as the man indicates he wants you to do the rock step.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to know what the man's intentions are is to watch his shoulders. They should move a moment before his feet do, and if you can pick up on this cue, your feet can move at the same time as his.
• Remember to take small steps during the side rock step. Don't extend your feet past your hips, and don't forget the Cuban motion.

Resources

• The side rock step demonstrated on Expertvillage.