How To Dance Cumbia Step By Step

by Waldo y Jacqui Solano
cumbia dancing | How To Dance Cumbia Step By Step | SalsaKnox Dance Company | combia dance | cumbia steps for beginners
FREE Cumbia Dance Tutorials
Create unstoppable confidence in your life. Learn the steps, the skills, the psychology and the self-motivation so you can walk confidently into any dance party.

You Want To Learn How To Dance,
But You're Not Sure Where To Start

There are a lot of different types of Latin dances out there, and they can be difficult to pick up at first because of the circular pattern.

Waldo y Jacqui Solano, will teach you how to do the basic steps for this fun dance style in just minutes. It's simple enough that anyone can use it, even if they've never tried dancing before! Plus, each step is illustrated with easy-to-follow videos so you'll always know what move comes next.
dance cumbia | salsa music | latin music
The Cumbia music started in Colombia in the 1800s. In the 1940s Colombian singer Luis Carlos Meyer Castandet emigrated to Mexico where he worked with the Mexican orchestra director Rafael de Paz. In the 1950s he recorded what many people think was the first Cumbia recorded outside of Colombia, "La Cumbia Cienaguera". He recorded other hits like "La historia". This is when Cumbia began to be popularized in Mexico.

In the 1970s Aniceto Molina also emigrated to Mexico, where he joined the group from Guerrero, La Luz Roja de San Marcos, and recorded many popular tropical cumbias like "El Gallo Mojado", "El Peluquero", and "La Mariscada". Also in the 1970s Rigo Tovar became very popular with his fusion of cumbia with ballad and rock. Wikipedia
basic cumbia | back break basic | cumbia sonidera

How To Do The basic cumbia dance steps (Back Break Basic)

The cumbia dancing is a fun and easy dance that anyone can do. To get started, you will need to put your feet in the right position by placing them close together so they feel like one unit with no space between them at all (like how two hands come together). Once this has been achieved it's simply time for some music!
The Cumbia basic steps are as follows:

- Leads, In count number 1 step back with your left foot behind your right foot at the same time holding one hand.

- In count number 2 step in place with your right foot.

- In count number 3 move your left foot next to your right foot.

- In count number 4 tap with the heel of your right foot.

- In count number 5 step back with your right foot behind you left foot.

- In count number 6 step in place with your left foot.

- In count number 7 move your right foot nest to your left foot.

- In count number 8 tap with the heel of your left foot.

Now just repeat till you don't have to think about it... have fun and play son good cumbia music...

- Followers, in count number 1 step back with your right foot behind you left foot.

- In count number 2 step in place with your left foot.

- In count number 3 move your right foot nest to your left foot.

- In count number 4 tap with the heel of your left foot.

In count number 5 step back with your left foot behind your right foot.

- In count number 6 step in place with your right foot.

- In count number 7 move your left foot next to your right foot.

- In count number 8 tap with the heel of your right foot.
Congratulations, now the you know some basic moves of cumbia dancing, here are some tips to take your cumbia to the next level
1. Watch a this dance videos to practice, practice makes perfect.
2. Find a partner and practice the basic steps together
3. Add some flair to your dance by incorporating arm movements and spins
4. Go out dancing with friends and show them your new moves!

Meet Your Instructors

cumbia dancing | basic cumbia dance steps | professional dancer

Jacqui Solano

Waldo Solano

Frequently Asked Questions

Where I find Waldo and Jacqui dance studio?
We are located at Champion Ballroom of Knoxville.
Address: 4028 Papermill Dr NW Ste 16, Knoxville, TN 37909
What is the difference between salsa and cumbia?
Salsa is a genre of Latin American music that originated in New York City during the 1970s. It is typically up-tempo and features Afro-Cuban percussion instruments such as congas, timbales, and bongos. Cumbia is a genre of Colombian music that originated in the early 20th century. It is typically slower paced than salsa and features accordions, guitars, and maracas.
Is cumbia dancing a Mexican dance?
No! Cumbia dancing is thought to have originated from the African slaves who were brought over to Colombia in the 1700s. They combined their traditional dances with the Spanish music and rhythms that they heard around them, and cumbia was born!
What is the difference between bachata and cumbia?
Bachata is a music genre that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is typically danced to bachata music, which is a fusion of European and African styles. Cumbia is also a music genre that originated in Latin America, and it is typically danced to cumbia music, which is a fusion of European and Indigenous styles.

One key difference between bachata and cumbia is that bachata generally has slower tempos, while cumbia often has more upbeat tempos. Additionally, bachata tends to be more romantic and intimate in nature, while cumbia often has more festive and energetic vibes.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve outlined the basics of cumbia. We hope you learned something new and can take these steps with your friends to impress them at a party or event!

Have fun practicing all that you have read in our article and don’t forget to let us know what you think about the Cumbia Basic Step. Happy dancing!

Try Our Courses Free For A Week

Most Common Questions
What is cumbia dance?

When it comes to Latin dances, there are few that are as iconic and well-known as dance cumbia. This traditional folk dance originated in Colombia, but has since spread throughout Latin America and the world. Given its popularity, it's no surprise that folks want to know more about this festive dance.
Dance Cumbia vs Dance Salsa

In the world of Latin dancing, there are two clear giants: dance cumbia and dance salsa. Both have passionate followings worldwide, and both have their own distinct styles and appears. So which one should you learn? I think thats just a personal preference of the dancer...
Cumbia Music

Hey there! I'm no expert on cumbia music, but I can tell you a little bit about it. Cumbia music and dance are very popular in Colombia where is originally. It's usually played with drums, guitars, and horns. The melodies are normally simple and repetitive. The steps to the dance vary depending on where you're from, but they tend to be fairly easy to pick up. If you're ever in Colombia (or any other country with a large Colombian population), make sure to check out a cumbia club! You'll have a blast dancing the night away!
Cumbia Music vs Salsa Music

There's no right or wrong answer to this question – it's all a matter of personal preference! Some people prefer the faster, more energetic vibe of cumbia music, while others prefer the slower, more sensual rhythms of salsa music.

Personally, I love both styles of music and can't decide which one I like better! What about you – what's your favorite style of Latin music?
What is Mexican Cumbia

Cumbia is a musical genre originating in Colombia. It combines African, Native American, and European musical elements. Typically, cumbia is performed by a band comprising two or more musicians playing guitars, bass, drums, and percussion instruments. The typical cumbia rhythm is tango-based, with a 4/4 time signature and 8-beat measures.

Cumbia gained popularity in Mexico in the 1970s, thanks to the work of such artists as Celso Piña and Selena. In recent years, cumbia has experienced a renaissance in popularity, with artists such as J Raymix and Los Angeles Azules helping to lead the way.
Our Mission
Our mission is dedicated to providing a welcoming, safe space for people of all abilities and backgrounds to learn how to dance in an easy-to-follow structure and format. As part of this dedication, we believe that exercise has many benefits including improving your mental and physical health! Creating healthy lifestyles leads to achieving personal goals or simply living life to the fullest. What's most important to us is our members' well-being and the community as a whole. 

SalsaKnox is the first and largest Latin dance company in Knoxville, TN! We bring Latin dances to our community every week including Beginner Salsa and Bachata Bootcamps, Intermediate and Advanced lessons, and Teams! We have the largest group dance classes in the history of Knoxville, TN with over 50+ students per week, and we are still growing. We believe if you can walk, you can dance!
SalsaKnox Dance Company   |   Copyright ©2022  |   All Rights Reserved
Our Website Use Cookies - Privacy Policy  -  Terms & Conditions  -  Disclaimer