Arts >> Dance >> Dancing Basics

Zumba Moves for Beginners

Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness routine created by a Columbian dance instructor who brought his moves to Miami where he and fellow Columbian entrepreneurs created the Zumba Fitness company. This workout blends Latin and international rhythms with low-impact, calorie burning moves that keep you sweating. Learn the four basic moves of zumba before joining a zumba class.
  1. Move No. 1

    • The first move in zumba is the basic Cuban salsa move. Stand with feet together and hands at your sides. Move one leg out to the side, then the other. Have one leg more or less still as you move the other leg, and remember to bend your knees. Keep your arms bent at your sides as you move, though you can move your arms around however you like if you become inspired by the Latin beats. Swivel the hips as you move the legs out from side to side to complete this dance step.

    Move No. 2

    • The second basic move in zumba is to bend your knees slightly while simultaneously bending your arms with elbows out. Shake your hands and forearms and move your hips up and down, knees still bent. Once your have this move down, pivot with one leg and turn with the other while keeping the legs and arms bent. Pivot all the way around and repeat the step as much as desired.

    Move No. 3

    • "Tap, tap, follow" is the third move in zumba. Start with legs together. Move your left leg out and tap your toes on the floor, then bring your left leg back to your starting position and repeat the same movement with your right leg. Do this move a few times before engaging in a "follow," a grapevine-esque move. Move your left leg in front of your right leg, take a step then bring both feet together. As with all zumba moves, remember to bend your knees and swivel your hips as you go.

    Move No. 4

    • Begin the fourth basic move in zumba by standing with legs bent, a little farther apart than hip-width. Keep your knees bent as you rotate your hips around in a circle; direction is up to you. Use your legs to lower yourself down to the ground as you continue to swivel your hips. Move as far down as you feel comfortable, then work your way back up while still rotating your hips.

Dancing Basics

Related Categories