Cumbia is a popular dance style that originated in Colombia and has since spread throughout Latin America and the world. It's a lively, energetic dance that's easy to learn and fun to do. In this blog post, we'll take you through the basics of Cumbia dance so you can get started on the dance floor.
Understanding the Basic Steps
The basic step of Cumbia is simple: it's a quick-quick-slow rhythm that's easy to follow once you get the hang of it. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
- Start with your feet together.
- Step forward with your left foot.
- Quickly bring your right foot up to meet your left foot.
- Hold for a beat, then step back with your right foot.
- Quickly bring your left foot up to meet your right foot.
- Repeat the steps, alternating between stepping forward and stepping back.
Adding Some Flair
Once you've mastered the basic step, you can start to add some flair to your dance. Here are a few moves to try:
- Shoulder Rolls: As you step, add some shoulder rolls to your movements for an extra touch of style.
- Arm Movements: Use your arms to accentuate your steps. You can raise them above your head, or swing them from side to side as you dance.
- Hip Movements: Cumbia is a dance that's all about the hips. Add some extra sway to your steps to really get into the rhythm.
Finding the Right Music
Cumbia music is characterized by its upbeat tempo and distinctive rhythm. Look for songs with a strong beat and a quick-quick-slow rhythm to practice your dance moves to. Some popular Cumbia artists include Los Angeles Azules, Grupo Cañaveral, and La Sonora Dinamita.
Practicing and Improving
The key to mastering Cumbia dance is practice, practice, practice. Start by practicing the basic step in front of a mirror, then gradually add in some of the flair moves we discussed. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - that's all part of the learning process. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Cumbia is a dance that's meant to be enjoyed, so let loose and have a good time as you learn. Before you know it, you'll be out on the dance floor, showing off your new moves and impressing all your friends.
