Conga. Rumba. Salsa. No matter how you move, the rhythm of On Your Feet! is going to have audiences up and dancing the night away. Practice your fConga and learn about the Award-winning choreography and global cast That make the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan something you have to see at Walton Arts Center!
Let the rhythm take you from this high-energy musical to a FREE dance party in Walton Arts Center’s Walker Atrium! Hosted by Northwest Arkansas’ Spanish radio station La Zeta, this after party will include music, dancing, drink specials, prizes and more.
Join us for a night of music and dancing – ‘cause tonight we're gonna party till we see the break of day!
Get Ready for the show, Learn How to Conga!
The Steps
Here are some of the basic steps of the Conga as a partner dance:
Basic with Cross Kick: Promenade three steps toward the hands (1, 2, 3) then kick toward the hands (4). Then repeat opposite, promenading over the elbows and kicking toward the elbows. This step can also be done in half-closed position.
Basic with Side Kick: Promenade three steps toward the hands (1, 2, 3) then kick toward the elbows side (4). Then repeat opposite, promenading over the elbows and kicking toward the hands side. This can also be done without a kick, twisting the free heel toward the supporting foot on count 4.
The Walk: Back the Follow three steps, shifting into right-side Yale position then kick past partner (both kicking forward) (4). Then repeat on the other foot, moving into left-side Yale position. Or simply back the Follow, lifting the free foot on the third fourth count.
The Conga Turn: Walk three steps forward around partner (1, 2, 3), circling each other, then both kick forward past partner's side (4). This can turn clockwise, counterclockwise, or alternating clockwise and then counterclockwise.
The Conga Rock: Promenade three steps toward the hands, then rock back on the rear foot, raising the forward foot. Repeat, traveling the same way. This step can also be done in half-closed position, or backing the Follow.
The Underarm Turn: Follow turns clockwise under the arm with a 1, 2, 3, kick, or the Lead turns counterclockwise under the arm with a 1, 2, 3, kick.
The Pointing Step: After kicking through the frame, cross, side (facing partner), cross, and point to the side, then repeat opposite.
And here are some variations of the Conga Line, as described by Leona Lehman (1961):
Side Kick: Forward three steps, then kick to the side.
Forward Kick: Forward three steps, then kick forward.
Backward Kick: Forward three steps, then kick backward.
Back and Forward Bend: Forward two steps, close with weight on 3, bending backward, then bend forward on 4.
Forward and Back Bend: Forward two steps, close with weight on 3, bending forward, then bend backward on 4.
The Arch: The first couple stops and forms an arch through which everyone else passes through. As each couple passes through, they form a new arch behind the previous one, making a long tunnel.
Now that you have the basic steps, check out the journey of dancers and singers as they followed their dream to be in On Your Feet!
NEW YORK | VENEZUELA | CANADA | BRAZIL | LOS ANGELES |GERMANY COLOMBIA | MIAMI
The On Your Feet! Creative Team launched a global search to fill a cast of 30 for the production of the Broadway musical. They auditioned thousands of singers and dancers from over 30 countries.
A deciding factor in casting was the dance ability of each performer, and Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winning choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis) pushed movement to it’s limits. Capturing the power and culture of the dances, Sergio even traveled to Havanna, Cuba to learn from the experts of Latin dance.
