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 Crossbody Lead
The crossbody lead is a classic move in many partner dances, and it's also a great addition to your Cumbia repertoire. To execute a crossbody lead, the leader starts with the basic step, but on the third step, leads the follower to step in front of them, crossing their own path. This move requires good communication and timing between the leader and the follower.
2. The Hand Change
The hand change is a simple but effective move that can add some variety to your Cumbia dancing. To execute a hand change, the leader and the follower switch hands while maintaining the basic step. This move can be done in time with the music, or as a surprise to your partner.
3. The Underarm Turn
The underarm turn is a more advanced move that requires good balance and coordination. To execute an underarm turn, the leader leads the follower into a turn under their arm, while maintaining the basic step. This move can be a fun way to show off your skills on the dance floor.
Tips for Improving Your Cumbia Dancing
Here are some tips to help you improve your Cumbia dancing:
- Practice regularly: Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Set aside time each week to practice your Cumbia dance steps.
- Take lessons: Consider taking lessons from a professional dance instructor to learn proper technique and get feedback on your dancing.
- Watch videos: Watching videos of experienced Cumbia dancers can give you a better sense of the style and help you pick up new moves.
- Experiment with different rhythms: Cumbia is a versatile dance style that can be adapted to many different rhythms. Try dancing to different types of music to expand your repertoire and improve your versatility.
With practice and dedication, you can master the intermediate Cumbia dance steps and become a more confident and skilled dancer. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to unlock the rhythm of Cumbia!
