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Dance Tutorial

How to Do the Macarena (Step-by-Step)

Learn the classic 16-count sequence: hands, shoulders, head, hips, then a hip shimmy and a quarter-turn left. Repeat on the beat.

Quick Facts

  • Counts: 16 (repeat)
  • Tempo: Medium, steady beat (~100–105 BPM)
  • Flow: Hand sequence → hip shimmy → quarter-turn left
  • Great for: Parties, weddings, team warm-ups

Pro Tip

Keep elbows relaxed and close to your body during the hand sequence for clean transitions.

The 16-Count Sequence

One move per beat. Shimmy on counts 13–16, then on the last beat make a quarter-turn to your left and restart at count 1.

  1. 1

    Right arm out, palm down

    Extend your right arm straight in front of you with palm facing the floor.

  2. 2

    Left arm out, palm down

    Extend your left arm next to the right, palm down.

  3. 3

    Right palm up

    Flip your right hand so the palm faces up.

  4. 4

    Left palm up

    Flip your left hand so both palms face up.

  5. 5

    Right hand to left shoulder

    Place your right hand on your left shoulder.

  6. 6

    Left hand to right shoulder

    Place your left hand on your right shoulder.

  7. 7

    Right hand behind head

    Move right hand behind your head.

  8. 8

    Left hand behind head

    Move left hand behind your head.

  9. 9

    Right hand to left hip (front)

    Place right hand on your left front hip.

  10. 10

    Left hand to right hip (front)

    Place left hand on your right front hip.

  11. 11

    Right hand to right back hip

    Move right hand to the back/right hip.

  12. 12

    Left hand to left back hip

    Move left hand to the back/left hip.

  13. 13–16

    Hip wiggle – 4 counts

    Keep hands on hips and shimmy your hips for four counts, then quarter-turn left.

Common Mistakes

  • Rushing the hand sequence—keep it one move per count.
  • Elbows flaring—stay compact for smooth transitions.
  • Forgetting the quarter-turn—rotate left after the shimmy.

60-Second Practice

  1. Clap on the beat for 8 counts.
  2. Walk through counts 1–12 slowly.
  3. Add the hip shimmy (13–16) and a clean quarter-turn left.
  4. Repeat twice with music around 103 BPM.

Ready to Dance While You Play?

Now that you can dance it, learn the chords and jam along.

Learn the Macarena Chords