The cucaracha takes up very little space on a dance floor and is especially handy to use under busier conditions. It is the foundation step of Cuban rumba forms.

Verbal Cue:
Side-And-Close-Clap

Prepare to start:
Stand with your weight on your left leg ready to move to your right.

Beat:

1.	Take a step to the side with your right leg, while your left foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg)
2.	Transfer your weight from your right leg onto your left leg. This is called a replace of weight, and is done to the verbal cue of "and".
3.	Place your right foot close to your left and transfer your weight onto it.
4.	Clap your hands once to mark the null beat.

Your weight should now be on your right leg ready to move to your left.

Repeating the process moving to the left,

Beat:

5.	Take a step to the side with your left leg, while your right foot stays in the same place. (Remember to transfer your weight completely onto your left leg)
6.	Transfer your weight from your left leg onto your right leg. (Replace of weight done to the cue of "and")
7.	Place your left foot close to your right and transfer your weight onto it.
8.	Clap your hands once to mark the null beat.

You are now where you began, with your weight on your left leg, ready to move to your right.

Comments:
We've used a different start position to match Shirin in the video clip. However, you can still start dancing the basic to your left. For more explanation, please read the More Practices section.
The cucaracha is actually a variation of the Latin basic, where the dancer's body is turned ninety degrees to the right relative to his/her feet.