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How to Dance to Cumbia Music

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.

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Modern Dance

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