Move · Videos · Zumba · 8 min

Four Basic Zumba Steps for First-Timers

Four Basic Zumba Steps for First-Timers — video by Zumba Play · 8:00

Video by Zumba on YouTube · Open on YouTube

Zumba Education Specialist Sandra Harnes teaches one signature move from each core rhythm: merengue six count, salsa forward and back, cumbia and reggaeton two-step, with simple ways to add intensity.

  • 8 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Latin

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 9

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Merengue six count: learn the pattern slowly first, then at full tempo, with the knees kept soft. 1:24
  2. Build the six count: more intensity, core engaged and chest up, then add strong arms. 2:13
  3. Salsa forward and back: three steps and a pause forward, then three and a pause back. 3:21
  4. Salsa arms: stay upright and push both arms forward, then bring them down, with the step. 4:05
  5. Salsa lunge option: lower into a lunge as you step back, core engaged and glutes squeezed. 4:36
  6. Cumbia: turn your body to a 45-degree angle and step the front foot forward and back. 5:05
  7. Cumbia knee lift: with soft knees, bring the knee up toward the chest for more effort. 5:35
  8. Reggaeton two-step: two steps to one side, then two steps to the other. 5:58
  9. Reggaeton effort: lift the arms higher, then loosen up with soft knees and a little hip motion. 6:24

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Keep the knees soft in the merengue six count so the hips can move
  • Stay upright with the core engaged; squeeze the glutes if you add the salsa lunge
  • Lift the arms higher in the reggaeton two-step to raise the effort

What it works

Tap an area for more videos that work it.

Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Shoulders movesarms in front, arms raised in reggaeton
  • Hips movesmerengue six count, side steps, hip sway
  • Knees movesmerengue six count, salsa and cumbia steps
  • Ankles & feet movessteps forward and back, side steps

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Zumba; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety