How to Do the Man's Part of an Alemana in International Latin Dancing

The alemana is a very popular basic technique utilized in International Latin dancing and can be seen in the Rhumba and Cha Cha, with most frequency being exhibited in the former. Overall it is a necessary step in learning to dance Latin, and can be a pleasurable and fulfilling basic pattern in any social or competitive venue. The instructions below will focus on the man's footwork for the alemana turn in Rhumba.

Things You'll Need

• Dance shoes
• Partner (preferred)
• Rhumba music

Instructions

1. Start with weight over your left foot and your right foot is pointed to your right side.

2. On beat "2," place your right foot in a diagonal behind you.

3. On beat "3," recover to your left foot. Your weight should be full on your left foot here, as if in a forward walk.

4. Quickly, collect your feet on beat "and" immediately following beat "3." You should now be facing forward again.

5. On beat "4," step to your right and place full weight over your right foot. Left foot should end in a point and straight.

Tips & Warnings

• Having a partner is really helpful.

• Always practice slowly before attempting to perform the steps with music.