How to Do the Macarena!

The Macarena is a Spanish song that was written by a group known as Los Del Rio and appeared on their 1994 album titled, A mi me gusta. It was a large hit in many different nations in the mid 1990's and has a widely recognized dance that goes along with it. Although the dance it quite simple, there are many steps that help to make it so unique and enjoyable. When this song comes on in today's society, people still remember the motions that coincide with the lyrics and its beat. This famous dance is one that is easy to learn and can be used in public or private scenarios. If you enjoy dancing and have not learned the Macarena, these steps will give you the tools to become great at it!

Step 1: Press Play on a Music Playing Device.

It is possible for one to do the Macarena dance without music but it is more commonly recognized by the public when the song comes on through a speaker system. There is a two-eights introduction at the beginning of the song which provides dancers of the song with enough time to press play on the audio device and still make it back to the dance floor by the time the dance begins. There are no particular audio player requirements just as long as you make sure the volume is loud enough to fill the room with sound.

Step 2: Hand Extensions

Begin by extending your right arm forward in front of your body with your palm facing the floor below. Next, extent your left arm in the same manner that you did your right arm. This part of the dance should be displayed in a rhythmic style that keeps the beat of the Macarena song.

Hint: Movement of the hips and shoulders is encouraged throughout the duration of the musical piece.

Step 3: Hand Rotations

Start by rotating your right hand so that your palm goes from facing the floor, to facing the ceiling. Next, rotate your left hand in the same motion that you previously did with your right hand.

Step 4: Shoulder Touches

Take your right hand and move it from its extended position towards your body and place it on your left shoulder. After doing this, make the same motion with your left arm, removing it from its extended position and resting it on your right shoulder. It is important to note that the song does have a particular vibe to it and you are encouraged to use your hips and knees to make the dance more personal to you.

Step 5: Head Touches

Begin by removing your right hand from your left shoulder and place it behind your with your elbow facing sideways away from your body. Take your left arm and follow the same steps but in the opposite direction.

Hint:Your arms should be in line with your body and your elbows should be pointed in different directions.

Step 6: Hip Touches

After placing your hands on your head, you will next relocate your right hand to your left hip. Then place your left hand on your right hip. As you now notice, your arms are yet again crossed as they were in previous steps. Do not be shy about your movements in this part of the routine because they are meant to be free spirited.

Step 7: Tooshie Touches

At this point in the dance, your hands are crossed and reaching for your opposite hip. Begin the next stage by removing your right hand from your left hip and place it on the right cheek of your buttocks. Then remove your left hand and place it on your left buttocks.

Hint: It is important to note that your arms are no longer crossed and are now facing downwards, touching your rear end.

Step 8: Tooshie Shake

With your hands currently located on your hindquarters, begin to shake your hips from right to left in a rhythmic motion. This back and forth motion can often be in unison with bending of the knees and lowering of the hips. This is often Macarena dancers favorite part of the performance and they can use it as a way to express their unique style and movement.

Step 9: Hand Clap Finish

As you begin to rise from your hip shaking in the previous step, the music will begin to come to climax. At this point, you will jump into the air and do a clockwise, quarter turn. When your feet hit the ground, you will clap your hands together at this exact point in time. The song will continue on for three more verses of the Macarena dance and after each round, you will again do a clockwise, quarter turn and end with a clap. When the song ends, you should be facing the same direction that you began the song with.

Good Luck!