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Cumbia Step: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Get ready to master the Cumbia Step, also known as the Salsa Side Basic! This beginner-friendly move is a staple in Salsa routines and will have you stepping back on a diagonal and returning to the center, alternating sides. It is a fantastic way to find your groove and feel the rhythm. You will see this essential step pop up constantly in your dance fitness classes, so learning it gives you a solid foundation for more complex footwork.

Step card

Count
1-2-3, 5-6-7
Level
Beginner
Found in
Salsa
In short
Stepping back on a diagonal and returning, alternating sides

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. On count 1, step your right foot back on a slight diagonal, shifting your weight onto it.
  2. On count 2, step your left foot in place, transferring your weight back to the left foot.
  3. On count 3, bring your right foot back to the center next to your left foot.
  4. Hold on count 4, keeping your weight centered and ready to switch sides.
  5. On count 5, step your left foot back on a slight diagonal, shifting your weight.
  6. On count 6, step your right foot in place, shifting the weight back to the right.
  7. On count 7, bring your left foot back to the center, and hold on count 8.

Tips

  • Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain a bouncy, relaxed posture throughout the move.
  • Let your hips move naturally with the weight changes rather than forcing a sharp twist.
  • Stay on the balls of your feet to make your weight transfers quick and light.

Common mistakes

  • Taking steps that are too large. Keep your steps small and tight under your body so you do not fall behind the fast beat.
  • Forgetting the pauses. Remember to hold your feet still on counts 4 and 8 to stay perfectly synced with the music.
  • Stepping straight back. Open your hips slightly and step back on a diagonal to capture the true style of the move.

Variations and practice

  • Add a subtle hip circle as you step back on the diagonal to give the move more flavor.
  • Incorporate arm sweeps, pushing your hands out on the back step and pulling them in on the return.
  • Practice traveling slightly forward or backward with the pattern once you feel comfortable.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.