La Cumbia
Por Pablo Dillow
La Cumbia de Columbia
La Cumbia is a more complicated form of the salsa, and has many differences such as the use of instruments such as guitars, accordions, and percussion. There are about six steps to the dance which involve moving the left foot back first, then raising the heel of the right foot and moving it side to side, and finally completing the dance by moving the hips on the same beats as the feet. This dance originated in Colombia and was a culmination of the native Colombian cultures, new Panamanian immigrants, Slaves from Africa, and colonial Spanish people. The dance was most popular in the mid 19th century and performed mostly by African slaves whose culture mixed with Panamanian and Colombian cultures.
Amazing Cumbia Dance by Rosie & Israel Coronado
Traditional Cumbia in Columbia
The people of Columbia still perform the dance today and dress in colonial attire such as the large dress and vest shown in the picture.
Slave Culture in Columbia
The African Slaves brought to Columbia mixed their culture with that of the native people. These cultures combined to create the Cumbia.
Proper Attire
A loose dress is required to dance the Cumbia as it requires some twirling and movement of the dress.