While growing up there was always Spanish music surrounding me and it’s now embedded in my veins. Spanish music would be present in parties, cleaning time, relaxing time, etc. music is part of my life and I believe if I didn’t have it I would go insane. 

One of the spanish musics that I feel more connected to is Cumbia. This genre of music has been present into my childhood by my family and I was even taught how to dance it. Though I’m not a party person or like to go out as often, I would say I am a decent dancer. 

The dance moves to Cumbia were taught to me by my uncle. He grew up in Mexico and he has been teaching me to this day, how to dance. 

One fond memory I have of Cumbia is when I was 9-years old and my family hosted a party. We were celebrating my brother’s baptism. It was around 8:00 pm and the DJ switched to playing cumbia songs. 

My uncle, not wasting time and trying to test what he taught me, pulled me to dance. I was so nervous my hands were shaking. But once I stepped on the dance floor, the music took over my body and I danced well. I was laughing and enjoying the time. 

After dancing I remember a lot of adults were clapping and screaming “¡Si, mi hija, eres una natural!” which means “yes, girl, you’re a natural” 

Ever since that day I feel more connected to this genre of music. Though I have not traveled to Mexico, I hope to one day visit and be able to go to a sonidero. A sonidero is basically like a block party where cumbia songs are played and a lot of people unite to dance. 

-A.H

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