How to Limbo Dance

The limbo is a dance that has been popular in the United States for several decades. Limbo dancing is relatively simple, and involves a dancer attempting to bend low enough to stay below a bar held by two people. The technique for a successful limbo dance is easy, but requires practice and concentration throughout the duration of the dance.

Begin the limbo with your feet spread and lined up with your shoulders. During the limbo dance, you need to have a strong base in your lower body so that your upper body can bend properly.

Keep your arms spread out from your body as you begin your approach to the limbo stick. This technique allows you to maintain balance as your back bends, and helps you avoid instinctively grabbing the stick if you feel off balance.

Approach the stick slowly with deliberate, exaggerated steps. A common mistake for limbo dancers is to bend backwards too quickly and throw themselves off balance. Focus on each step, bending your legs and your back gradually as you see the stick ahead of you.

Flatten your stomach as much as possible when your legs begin to cross under the limbo stick. Your abdominal area may become the biggest obstacle to a successful limbo dance because your bent back accentuates your stomach as you complete the dance.

Maintain limbo posture until your head has passed completely under the stick. As soon as you see the limbo stick pass your eyes, count to three and begin to gradually lift your body to an upright position.

Wear comfortable clothing when you know you will perform a limbo dance. You need to focus on proper limbo technique, rather than your discomfort from clothes that are constricting. Look for shirts, pants and other clothing items that are loose enough for you to dance, but maintain the festive nature of the limbo.

Find traditional limbo music when performing the limbo dance. The limbo's origins in Latin America mean that music with a strong beat and a good use of percussion instruments will get your party started. Music websites like eMusic feature a few selections of limbo music, including Lord Melody's "Caribbean Limbo Music" (see Resources below).