Cumbia is a popular dance style that originated in Colombia and has since spread throughout Latin America and the world. If you're already comfortable with the basic steps of Cumbia, you may be ready to take your dancing to the next level. In this post, we'll explore some intermediate Cumbia dance steps to help you improve your technique and add some flair to your dancing.
The Basic Step
Before we dive into the intermediate steps, let's review the basic step of Cumbia. The basic step involves a simple box step, with the leader starting on the left foot and the follower starting on the right foot. From there, you can add variations and flourishes to suit your style and the rhythm of the music.
Intermediate Steps
Now that you're comfortable with the basic step, let's explore some intermediate Cumbia dance steps:
1. The Suelta
The Suelta is a popular variation of the basic step that involves a more pronounced hip movement. To perform the Suelta, start with the basic step, but on the third step, add a hip movement by lifting your free leg and swinging your hips to the side. This step can be done with a partner or solo and adds a flirty, playful element to your dancing.
2. The Pase de Pelliza
The Pase de Pelliza is a step that involves the leader and follower walking in a circular pattern around each other. To perform the Pase de Pelliza, the leader starts by stepping forward with the left foot, followed by the right foot. The follower mirrors these steps, but starts with the right foot. As you walk around each other, maintain connection and eye contact to create a sense of intimacy and playfulness.
3. The Tunda
The Tunda is a step that involves a quick foot movement and a hip shake. To perform the Tunda, start with the basic step, but on the third step, quickly tap your free foot next to your standing foot, then swing your hips to the side. This step can be done with a partner or solo and adds a fun, energetic element to your dancing.
Tips for Improving Your Technique
As with any dance style, practice is key to improving your technique. Here are some tips to help you become a better Cumbia dancer:
- Listen to the music: Cumbia music has a distinctive rhythm that can be challenging to master. Listen to a variety of Cumbia songs to get a feel for the beat and practice dancing to the music.
- Work on your footwork: Good footwork is essential for any dance style, and Cumbia is no exception. Practice your basic step and intermediate steps regularly to improve your footwork and timing.
- Experiment with variations: Cumbia is a versatile dance style that allows for a lot of creativity and variation. Don't be afraid to try new steps and add your own personal flair to your dancing.
With practice and dedication, you can master the intermediate Cumbia dance steps and become a more confident, skilled dancer. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to unlock the rhythm of Cumbia!
