How to Dance to Cumbia Music

Cumbia has a 4/4 beat.

Cumbia is a music that first emerged in Colombia and has spread to various Latin American countries and Latino communities in the U.S. and Europe. It's a combination of indigenous and African rhythms and melodies. The music follows a basic 4/4 beat, which makes it well-suited to dancing. You can dance to the music at clubs, where it's often mixed with other musical genres, and at cumbia parties featuring live bands.

Instructions

1. Internalize the beat and rhythm by listening to the music. Cumbia has a distinct rhythm and a 4/4 beat. Getting the beat in your head will help your feet move in time on the dance floor.

2. Pivot with your left foot while taking a step back with the right.

3. Step in place with your right foot while staying on the beat. Count four and bring your two feet back together again. This is the "basic" or "neutral" position.

4. Repeat the move again but switch feet.

5. Swing your hips and torso left to right, counting out the beat in your head. Swing your arms in this fashion, too, but keep them close to your side.

6. Take cumbia dance classes to improve your technique and learn more advanced moves.

References

• Dancing Latin: Cumbia
• Colombian Styles of Dance; Books LLC