How to Do Basic Cumbia Dance Steps

The cumbia may have originated in Columbia as a courtship dance. Though perhaps simpler in orchestration and execution, the cumbia is not less fun to do than any other Latin dance. Here you can begin to learn the basic steps of cumbia.

Step1 Begin the basic cumbia with your feet together.

Step2 Step back with your right foot, pivoting a little on your left foot, so your right foot goes about a shoulder's width behind your left foot and a little to the side. Step in place with your left foot, then bring your right foot beside your left and pause for a beat.

Step3 Move your left foot back as you do a basic cumbia dance step, pivoting on your right foot as you do so. That way you place your left foot about a shoulder's width behind your right foot and a little to the side. Step in place with your right foot, and bring your left foot back beside your right and pause a beat.

Step4 Turn your torso from side to side as you're doing basic cumbia dance steps. As you place your left foot behind the right, turn your body so that your left shoulder is facing the middle of the room. Face front as your feet go together, then turn your right shoulder to the middle of the room as you step back with your left foot.

Step5 Allow your arms to bend naturally as you do the basic cumbia, and move your hands in small circles that never go beyond your waits or your shoulder as you move forward and back.