Learn the Basic Zumba Moves

Ever wanted to try Zumba? Did the lack of instructions stop you?

Zumba can be intimidating if you don't dance. But I can teach you the basics! Follow these simple steps and see how you do.  Class is simple once you master the basics! There is no right or wrong in Zumba. Zumba is about adding your own style! Learn the basics, have fun, and let loose! 

Please refer to pictures for general stance. Refer to videos for movement (**Note: My left is your right. Likewise, my right is your left.)

Step 1: Your Zumba Gear

Comfort is key in Zumba! You need to wear appropriating clothing for comfort. You want to be free to break it down, right?  

Keep the following in mind before class:

• Wear work-out clothes: shorts, tank tops, sweat pants, etc
• Wear dance shoes or sneakers: You will move your feet around a lot. Make sure your feet are comfortable! 
• Bring a bottle of water or gatorade to class: You need to re-hydrate between dances. Drink plenty after class as well!

Step 2: Let's Salsa

Salsa is a major step in Zumba. Ready to begin?

Basic Salsa

1. Stand with both feet together.

2. Step to the right. Bend your knees.

3.Return to the middle.

4.Step to the left. Bend your knees slightly. 

5.Return to the middle.

6.Try it a little faster. Slightly rock to the side as you move. Loosen up your upper body. Let your shoulders move with your feet.

7. Faster this time! Add some hip as you rock. Make it your own! Check video for correct tempo.


Travel Salsa 

1. Bend your knees. Slightly bend arms. Point them to the right towards the sky. 

2.Take four steps to the right-use your hips to move. 

3..Return to the middle. 

4..Repeat step 1. This time point arms to the left. 

5. Take four steps to the left-use your hips to move.

6. Try it faster. Check video for correct tempo. 

Step 3: Shall We Merenge March?

Ever heard the term, "Merenge march", during class? It might look complicated, but don't panic! It's easy once you break it down. So, shall we?

1.Stand straight with both feet together. 

2.Bend your right foot slightly. 

3.Return to the middle. 

4.Bend your left foot slightly. 

5.Return to the middle.

6.Try it faster.  Interchange feet like your marching rapidly. 

7. Add arms.
Place one arm out to the side: Right side if left foot is bent. Left side if right foot is bent.  Opposite arm goes directly in front of your chest. 

8.Interchange arms and feet like a rapid march. Travel forward. Travel back. Check video for correct tempo. 

Step 4: Reggaeton Time

Reggaeton is the latin form of "hip-hop." It is a high energy dance. You know that means? Attitude please! I know you have in you. Let's get started!

Basic Reggaeton

1. Start with both feet together.

2. Bend your right foot.

3. Drop your right arm to the side.  Make sure it is pointing towards the floor.

4. Bend your left arm. Place it in the center. It should be covering your stomach.

5. Return to the middle.

6. Bend your left foot.

6.  Repeat step 3. This time drop your left arm. 

7.Repeat step 4. This time bend your right arm.

8. Return to the middle.

9.Try it faster. Interchange feet: 2 singles and 1 double.  It helps to say: "Single, single, double, double" out loud or in you head. Add pop to your shoulders as you move.

10. Pick up the pace. Give me some attitude! Check video for correct tempo.


Reggaeton Pump

1. Separate feet slightly. Bend arms. Place them to the right diagonally. It should like your boxing sideways. 

2. Contract your stomach 6 times. After the third contraction pause briefly.  Count: 1 and 2. 1 and 2. to separate contractions.

2. Return to the middle.

3. Repeat step 1. This time place right to the left. 

4. Repeat step 2. 

5. Return to the middle.

6. Try it faster. Contract rapidly. Use your arms to pump. It's like a fist pump with your stomach! Check video for correct tempo.

Step 5: Cumba Party

Let's end with a party. A Cumba party! Ready for your last basic?

1. Dig your right heel into the floor. Step to the back. Dig your right toe into the floor.

2. Travel to the left. Use you both feet to travel. Take small steps with right foot. Move further with each front dig. Keep digging to the front and back.

3. Return to the middle.

3. Repeat step 1. This time dig your left heel. Dig your right toe. 

3. Repeat step 2. This time travel right.  

4. Return to the middle.

5. Try it faster. Dig front and back rapidly. Loosen your shoulders. Let your arms hang. Put them on your hips if it feels weird. Allow your hips to move you. 

6. Speed up the pace. Check video for correct tempo. 

Step 6: The Zumba 411

Let loose and have fun! Remember, this is a judge free zone :)

Comments

[LindaM416]

How to see the videos? How to gain access. Linda

[EmilyS211]

Thanks for the tips! I've been trying to learn dancing on my own. If all else fails, I'll just enroll in a dance studio studio here in the bay area. I heard that they offer a free private lesson.

[ziegenprice]

Bravo! Very well done. I started Zumba yesterday and was totally lost. Watched your vids and felt more confident to try my class again. Thank you! Need more!!

[DenishaK]

Hi , I'm 12 and i love zumba , i want to be a zumba instructor so i made up my own zumba workouts

[TinaT39]

You are too cute.. Thank you!

[mimoolijoon]

where are the videos?

[SaedoM]

Thank you for this! I am just learning how to instruct an exercise class to music and this was very helpful!!

[SaedoM]

Thank you for this! I am just learning how to instruct an exercise class to music and this was very helpful!!

[munam.goodwin]

You are so cute and so good in giving the instructions. You go from "here is the basic step" generic to showing how you do it, and you are graceful! YAY!!!

[dancingqueensylvie]

I like the way you explain those moves, really good!!!

[ceaton2]

Nice moves ;)