Dance Tutorial
How to Do the Macarena (Step-by-Step)
The 16-count sequence that defined a decade. Whether you're at a wedding, a stadium, or a retro party, here is your definitive guide to mastering the world's most popular line dance.
The beauty of the Macarena lies in its simplicity. It consists of a 16-count loop: four hand positions repeated three times (with variations), followed by a hip shimmy and a turn. Because it repeats every 16 beats, even if you make a mistake, you can catch up in seconds.
The Official 16-Count Sequence
- 1
Right arm out
Extend your right arm straight in front of you with palm facing the floor. Keep shoulders down.
- 2
Left arm out
Extend your left arm next to the right, palm down. Your arms should be parallel.
- 3
Right palm up
Flip your right hand so the palm faces the ceiling. Keep the arm steady.
- 4
Left palm up
Flip your left hand so both palms face the ceiling.
- 5
Right hand to left shoulder
Cross your right hand over your chest to touch your left shoulder.
- 6
Left hand to right shoulder
Cross your left hand over to touch your right shoulder. Your arms are now crossed in an "X".
- 7
Right hand behind head
Bring your right hand behind your head. Imagine you are combing your hair.
- 8
Left hand behind head
Bring your left hand behind your head. Your elbows should be pointing out.
- 9
Right hand to left hip
Cross your right hand down to your front left hip.
- 10
Left hand to right hip
Cross your left hand down to your front right hip.
- 11
Right hand to right glute
Move your right hand to your back right hip (or "pocket").
- 12
Left hand to left glute
Move your left hand to your back left hip.
- 13-15
Hip Roll & Shimmy
Keep hands on hips and rotate your pelvis in a circle or figure-eight.
- 16
Jump & Turn
Clap your hands and jump 90 degrees (quarter turn) to your left. Begin again!
Mastering the Style
Loose Knees
Don't lock your legs. Keep your knees slightly bent and bouncy. This helps you stay on the beat and makes the hip movements look natural rather than stiff.
The "Attitude"
The hand movements shouldn't be robotic. Relax your elbows. When you put your hands behind your head, flair your elbows out. It's a party dance, not a military drill!
The Quarter Turn
This is where most beginners get lost. On count 16 (the clap/jump), turn 90 degrees to your Left. If you face North to start, you will face West for the second round.
The "Hey!"
It is legally required (okay, culturally required) to shout "Hey Macarena!" during the jump turn. It helps the group stay synchronized.
Variations You Might See
While the steps above are the "official" version performed by Los del Río and the Bayside Boys, regional variations exist:
- The Rolling Arms: Instead of holding the "palm down" pose, some dancers roll their arms over one another.
- The "Advanced" Hip Sway: Experienced dancers don't wait for count 13; they sway their hips continuously throughout the entire hand sequence.
- The 180 Turn: In very crowded rooms where a 90-degree turn is impossible, some groups opt to just jump 180 degrees to face the back, then flip again.
Ready to lead the next Flash Mob?
Now that you have the theory, you need the rhythm. Watch some real-world examples to see these moves in action.