Cumbia Dance

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With its origins in Colombia, the cumbia is a sensual dance that is sweeping the world!

This dance is all about hips and rhythm, and it is sure to get your blood pumping.

Whether you are watching a cumbia dance performance or learning the steps yourself, this dance is sure to be a hit.

So what are you waiting for? Get up and experience the cumbia!
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Table Of Contents
  • The History of Cumbia
  • ​How to Dance Cumbia
  • ​Music
  • ​Cumbia moves and steps
  • ​Types of Cumbia Music
  • ​Ways to Dance Traditional Cumbia Colombiana
  • ​A Beginner's Guide to Cumbia Dancing
  • ​Most Common Questions
  • ​Conclusion
The History of Cumbia
The cumbia has its origins in Colombia, and it is thought to have originated with African slaves who were brought over to the country.

The cumbia initially started as a courtship dance, and it has retained that sensual feeling to this day.

This dance is all about moving your hips and keeping the beat, and it is sure to get your heart racing.

The cumbia quickly spread throughout Latin America, and it can now be found in countries such as Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Peru and more.
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How to Dance Cumbia
If you want to learn how to dance cumbia, there are plenty of resources available.

You can find instructional videos online or take classes at a local studio. When you are first starting out, it is important to get a feel for the music and the rhythm.

The best way to do this is to simply let loose and have fun! There is no wrong way to dance cumbia, so don't be afraid to express yourself.

Once you have the basic steps down, you can start experimenting with different moves and adding your own flair.
Music
Music Cumbia was reportedly originating in Columbia in Spanish colonist times.

The Columbian folklore forms named Gaitero date from early 1880. 

Those first instruments that were used for Cumbia's musical genre were flutes (gitas), maracas and African drum.

As the musical development took off bands started using various electronic musical instruments such as the guitar, bass guitar, and the drums.

The music and dances that accompany the music began gradually spreading north through Mexico and south through Argentina, Chile and Peru.

Once you have learned the basic steps of cumbia, you can start to add in some flourishes.

These are called 'figures' and they can really make your cumbia stand out. Some of the most common figures include:

La Cucaracha: This figure sees the dancers making a figure of eight around each other while moving their arms up and down in time with the music.

El Guacamayo: This is a more complex figure, involving the dancers moving in and out of a circle while making sweeping arm movements.

El Palo Ensebado: This figure sees the dancers forming a line and holding hands. They then move forward and back, while keeping time with the music.

As you can see, cumbia is a very expressive dance, and once you have mastered the basic steps you will be able to really let loose and enjoy yourself.

Cumbia is a great way to meet new people and make new friends, so why not give it a try today?

Cumbia is a fun and easy dance to learn, perfect for parties and social gatherings. It is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. So why not give it a try today?
Cumbia Moves and Steps
A basic technique commonly found in Cumbia dances is Backbreak Basic.

Cumbia's movements consist of wind-ups - movements which often occur and are often performed as circular patterns often known as a Columbian or Cumbia Circle basis.

Cumbia is closely associated with Swing and the common moves of Cumbia and Swing are common.

In Costa Rica Cumbias are called El Swinging.
Types of Cumbia Music
The Mexican Cumbia Music was titled Cumbia Sonidera (DJ mix) and Cumbia Pegassera (the name of an influential band called Grupo Pegasso).

Cumbia villera has gained popularity in Argentina.
Ways to Dance Traditional Cumbia Colombiana
The term "cumbia" comes from the " African cumbe " and means " dancing ".

During the 16th century African slaves were imported by Spain to Colombia to occupy territory in Spain.

Through centuries, both dance and music has developed and is still heard and danced on discos and clubs today.

It is among Latin America's most famous musical and dance forms and it is widely considered the predominant folk style of Colombia.

You can find in the video the tradicional way to do the basics of cumbia dancing and how they work together, click here to check the video > Cumbia Traditional Cumbia Traditional for Ladies
A Beginner's Guide to Cumbia Dancing
You have the best chance of learning cumbia! This lively, exciting Latin dance is relatively basic and therefore is an easier-to-learn dance style.

Even if you do not think that you are an experienced dancer, you will be able to dance cumbia and follow its steps easily.

Are there some ways that you can start with dancing cumbia in a professional way?

The cumbia dance is a partnered dance, which means that you will need to find someone to dance with.

The easiest way to do this is to go to a club or studio that offers cumbia classes.

In these classes, the teachers will help you to find a partner and will also give you some tips on how to dance cumbia.

When you are ready to start learning how to dance cumbia, there are some basic steps that you should memorize.

First, you will need to know the timing of the music. Cumbia is danced in 4/4 time, meaning that there are four beats in each measure.

The first step is taken on the first beat, and the second step is taken on the second beat. This pattern continues throughout the dance.

Next, you will need to learn the basic footwork of cumbia.

The steps are relatively simple: you start with your feet together and then take a large step to the side with your left foot.

At the same time, you bring your right foot behind your left foot. 

Then, you take a large step to the side with your right foot and bring your left foot behind your right foot.

This pattern is repeated throughout the dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cumbia dance?

Cumbia is a Colombian national dance, a distinctly rhythmical rhythm that provides a significant source for popular music. Cumbia has stayed in Colombia since its beginning but thanks to bands such as Bomba Estereo this band now emerges onto international stages.

Is cumbia dance Mexican?

Originally a folk dance of Colombia the Cumbia swam through Latin American countries gaining some minor differences on the route but settled comfortably with a distinct Tejano-style.

Is cumbia the same as salsa?

Cumbia Basic originates from the dance known as Cumbia which is a separate dance from salsa, however, in salsa, the basic step is often used since it has rotational aspects. The Cumbia Basics can be learned in dancing with Latinos as well.

What are the basic steps of cumbia dance?

On count number four we are going to put my legs together and slightly tuck into my heels.
Conclusion
The cumbia is a sensual dance that is sure to get your heart pumping.

With its origins in Colombia, this dance has quickly spread throughout Latin America and beyond.

Whether you are watching a cumbia dance performance or dancing the steps yourself, this is one experience you won't want to miss!
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