How to Do Basic Partner Cumbia Dance Steps

Cumbia, a national dance popular in Columbia, has influences from the African, Spanish and American cultures. Partners follow the beats of the Latin music with basic rock steps to create a flirty exchange on the dance floor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start by facing your partner and holding hands down by their waists. Rock back with your left foot as your partner rocks back with her right foot for a half-turn so that you are side to side with your partner.

2. Continue rocking back and let go of your left hand and her right hand to open up. Keep your right hand clasped with her right hand. Follow a 1-2-3 count.

3. Come back together for the fourth count, then alternate steps. Rock back with your right foot as your partner rocks back with her left foot. Again, let go with your right hand from her left hand. Follow a 5-6-7 count.

4. Repeat alternating rock steps again. Make sure to pivot a little on each step so your shoulders come out. Mirror each other in your cumbia dance steps.

Tips & Warnings

• When you rock back, instead of keeping one set of hands clasped, you can put one set of arms around each other's waists.
• You can also mix up the dance style and clasp hands for one back step, then wrap arms around waist for the next back step.
• Spice up the cumbia dance by adding little kicks on your rock steps.

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