I am taking Zumba and our teacher is using a 6-count step in one of her routines. And I just CANNOT get it!!! I want to practice it before next class but I can't find an appropriate lesson online because I don't know whether it is samba, salsa, etc...

It goes sort of like:

count 1. right foot out
count 2. step with your left foot (but don't move it anywhere)
count 3. right foot in
count 4. left foot out.
count 5. step with your right foot (but don't move it anywhere)
count 6. right foot out

I am not 100% sure if I got this right - that is why I want to find a lesson. Can you help me identify the footwork and the dance style... And maybe you can point me to the right lesson

Its not really a " dance " but an exercise, using basic movements from what many latinos dance in a freestyle form. There are variations used from Cumbia, among other dances.

The music is Afro centric and has been played in latino clubs for yrs ( they call it latin house )usually danced in a circle ( normally by ladies )

The " dance ?" was invented/ devised , by a couple of guys in Miami... another e.g. of how to make a quick buck !!

Zumba is not ballroom. I'm not saying it is worse or better, just different. The steps resemble ballroom latin steps and that's it. I had never heard of Zumba until some women came to our studio and claimed they already knew all the basic steps. One even told me my salsa (basic) was wrong because that's not how they do it in Zumba class. Ballroom is not just about the steps but about leading and following, partnering and technique. Not even close to Zumba. So by all means, learn the Zumba steps and have fun but do not think there is any direct link to Ballroom Latin.

Did you even read my response ??

Of course I did. I was not responding directly to you but to Beg Dancer ( I put the post in the wrong place, I guess). I just think it's odd that someone who does Zumba considers herself a beginner dancer and posts a question about Zumba on a ballroom site. As I said, Zumba is not ballroom. I know you know that, Terence. I just wanted her to know that there is so much more to dancing. It's not that easy!

Hi there, I'm a latin and ballroom instructor, Zumba is not a latin american dance, and i know about that woman saying its latin...its not!! sure its fun, the music is great and good exercise, that she can teach you yes, latin american dancing... no. so ya have fun with it, its all it is

Hmmm... My wife teaches Zumba, but only as a substitute. She doesn't care for it on a regular basis. However, I would swear it had Latin American influence, and I think Terence is right on about the Miami origins. I would still consider it a Latin style "expression." I agree it's not a dance, and also agree it looks like it would be fun --if your body parts allow it! In short, the original poster just needs to practice it and hope she gets the feel for it.

AS I stated, it was " devised " by a well known teacher/ choreog. Alberto Perez . in Miami in conjunction with 2 more guys.. Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion...

They essentially took the " moves " that ladies dance when the DJs in the States play a " Set " of latin "house "( with some yambu and orisha elements ) , and placed them into a sequence format .It also has elements of Hip Hop, Merg. Salsa and samba.. and yes.. it IS danced to a stereo typical afro centric type rhythm.. lots of Tumbao .

Just another form of jazzercise..

In its base format, has been around for 15 plus yrs.. they just happened to capitalise on it, and re work the format .

The name is also trademarked ( if you look at the name,ZUMBA, and look at Tumbao.. take away the Z and O... the 2 letters are the last in perez,s name and the first.. coincidence ? I think not !) .
They also have acreditation for those that wish to use their system..

I don't know what the step is, but don't u just love Zumba?

Dancingnance

Lady,

I like how you think. I noticed that you did not show disrespect for a different dance form.

I do find it kind of refreshing to hear that someone is telling us that the International way, is not correct. (Becaue they were taught differently in their Zumba Class.)

In my opinion, those who have taken International lessons, have no more right to tell other dancers that they are wrong, than the Zumba person has telling people that her way was the only correct way.

Those who are telling others that their way, is only way to dance, should consider how stupid that comment sounded when it came form a Zumba dancer.

Let me assure those who make such comments about the way others choose to dance that they get the same respect as the Zumba person got from us.

We should consider the fact that the Zumba dancer had only been exposed to a small window into the world of dancing. (I guess we all thought the way we were first taught was the "correct way".)