Dance Lesson Ideas

El Jarabe Tapatio is one of the most beloved dances performed in Mexico. It originated in the state of Jalisco and is a courting dance. The steps below vary somewhat from the authentic dance. However, the style and emotion of the dance remain the same.

Hold during the introduction:
The L arm is placed under the R elbow. The R arm is in the “waving” position. The R hand moves forward, back and forward as the R heel is forward, back and forward. Two claps follow these movements. This arm position is reversed when the foot movements are reversed.

Step 1 – Counts 1-8 - Place R heel to front (1), hopping onto R foot, place L heel in front (2), hopping on L foot place R heel in front (3) - 2 claps (&4). Hopping on R foot place the L heel forward (5), hopping on L place R heel forward (6), hopping on R foot place the L heel forward (7) – 2 claps (&8).
* Repeat this 8 count combination 4x for a total of 32 counts.

Step 2 – Dancers will move in a circle to the R doing the following movements:
Counts 1-8 - Step-together-step (RLR, 1&2)), Step-together-step (LRL, 3&4)), Step-together-step (RLR, 5&6)), Step together-step (LRL, 7&8).
* Repeat the 8 count 2x for a total of 16 counts. The dancers can make 2 circles or 1.

* Repeat Step 1 - 2x for 16 counts.

* Repeat Step 2 – 2x for a total of 16 counts.

Music will change:
Step 3 – Both partners will slide R and stomp LR, slide to the L and stomp RL.
* Repeat step 3 for a total of 6 times.

Music will change:
Step 4 – Both partners will step R, cross L behind, step R. Three-step turn to the L stepping LRL. * Repeat for a total of 4 times.

Music will change:
Step 5 – Partners will move towards one another bringing R shoulders together, stepping RLR and snapping on the 3rd step. Partners will move apart stepping LRL and snapping on the 3rd step.
* The dancers will repeat this step for a total of 4x.

Music will change: (24 counts)
One dancer will run in place while the other partner gets the Mexican Hat (sombrero) and places it on the ground. Dancers will dance around the hat.

The Running Square – Dancers will run forward 4 counts and pass R shoulders and run in place for 4 counts. They will each do 4 running steps to the R and run in place 4 counts. They will run backwards 4 counts and run in place 4 counts, and to the L 4 counts to get back where they started and run in place 4 counts.

The follow will squat down and the lead will kick over the head of the follow.

The follow will pick up the hat and the following steps will end the dance:

Partners will run forward 8 steps and back 8 steps.

Kick step – Place R heel in front, touch R toe to the ground, bring R foot across the L shin, and kick R. Hop onto R foot and place L heel forward, touch L toe to the ground, bring L foot across R shin and kick L.
* Repeat the Kick Step. * Repeat the 8 forward runs and 8 backward runs.

Dancers will choose a pose as the music ends.