Partner Cumbia: Back Step and Turns
Students learn Latin American social cumbia: the alternating back step, the side variation, underarm turns, and a side-by-side walk. Students work on staying with the rhythm, open-position partner dancing, and the cultural value of Latin social dances.
How to play
- In lines facing the teacher: cumbia basic, right foot steps back, shift weight to the left, right foot returns to center, then the same with the left, 4 counts per side (3 minutes).
- Side variation: the foot opens to the side instead of back, with a slight hip sway. Alternate 8 counts of back basic and 8 counts of side basic (3 minutes).
- In pairs, facing each other with both hands joined at waist height, dance the basic in mirror image: when one steps back with the right, the other uses the left (4 minutes).
- Underarm turn: the lead raises the left hand on count 1 and the partner turns right over 4 counts while walking the basic; then switch roles (4 minutes).
- Side-by-side walk: partners stand side by side holding inside hands, travel 8 counts with the side step, turn in toward each other, and come back (4 minutes).
- Build a 32-count sequence (basic, turn, walk, basic) and dance it with two different partners, switching on the whistle (4 minutes).
Rules
- Turns happen with the hands above the head and a loose grip so the partner can spin freely.
- Each couple keeps about 6 feet from other couples.
- Partners switch between leading and following.
Variations
Easier
Dance only the back and side basic with a partner, no turns.
Standard
A 32-count sequence with basic, turn, and side-by-side walk, danced with two partners.
Harder
Add a lead's turn and a double turn for the follow within 8 counts.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the basic with shoulders and arms from the chair while the partner turns beside them.
- Students with autism or shy students: let them choose the first partner and announce ahead of time when switches will happen.
- Fitness level: students who tire dance the basic without the hip sway at a slower tempo.
Learning goals
- Perform the cumbia basic and its side variation on the beat.
- Coordinate turns and walks with a partner through the hand hold.
- Appreciate cumbia as a social dance from Colombia that spread across Latin America.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music
- portable speaker: 1
Teacher tip
Count "back, change, center" at first; the hip sway shows up once the step is automatic. Pick mid-tempo cumbia tracks with school-appropriate lyrics.
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