While everyone knows about the Conga Line, where dancers follow the leader in single file, in the mid-20th century, the Conga was also a partner dance.
As Leona Lehman (1961) explains, at the beginning of a Conga song, the dancers would dance the Conga in couples, then as the song progressed, a Conga line would form, and everyone would fall in single file behind the leader.
The Steps
Here are some of the basic steps of the Conga as a partner dance:
Basic with Cross Kick: Promenade three steps toward the hands (1, 2, 3) then kick toward the hands (4). Then repeat opposite, promenading over the elbows and kicking toward the elbows [JB38, AM38, PS38, AM42, AM47, JB53, JB65]. This step can also be done in half-closed position [AM38, AM42, AM47].
Basic with Side Kick: Promenade three steps toward the hands (1, 2, 3) then kick toward the elbows side (4). Then repeat opposite, promenading over the elbows and kicking toward the hands side [JB38, AM41, MM52, JB53, BW60, LL61, LL62, JB65]. This can also be done without a kick, twisting the free heel toward the supporting foot on count 4 [LG40].
The Walk: Back the Follow three steps, shifting into right-side Yale position then kick past partner (both kicking forward) (4). Then repeat on the other foot, moving into left-side Yale position [PS38, ES44]. Or simply back the Follow, lifting the free foot on the third fourth count [ES44].
The Conga Turn: Walk three steps forward around partner (1, 2, 3), circling each other, then both kick forward past partner's side (4). This can turn clockwise [JB38, AM38, PS38, AM41, AM42, AM47, MM52, JB53, LL61, LL62, JB65], counterclockwise [MM52, LL61, LL62], or alternating clockwise and then counterclockwise [MM52, LL61, LL62].
The Conga Rock: Promenade three steps toward the hands, then rock back on the rear foot, raising the forward foot. Repeat, traveling the same way [AM38, AM42]. This step can also be done in half-closed position [AM38, LG40, AM42], or backing the Follow [LG40].
The Underarm Turn: Follow turns clockwise under the arm with a 1, 2, 3, kick, or the Lead turns counterclockwise under the arm with a 1, 2, 3, kick [PS38].
The Pointing Step: After kicking through the frame, cross, side (facing partner), cross, and point to the side, then repeat opposite [PS38].
Side Kick: Forward three steps, then kick to the side.
Forward Kick: Forward three steps, then kick forward.
Backward Kick: Forward three steps, then kick backward.
Back and Forward Bend: Forward two steps, close with weight on 3, bending backward, then bend forward on 4.
Forward and Back Bend: Forward two steps, close with weight on 3, bending forward, then bend backward on 4.
The Arch: The first couple stops and forms an arch through which everyone else passes through. As each couple passes through, they form a new arch behind the previous one, making a long tunnel.
The Music
Here's a sampling of early Conga music:
"One, Two, Three, Kick" (126 bpm) by Xavier Cugat and his Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra (1939)
"La Conga De Broadway" (127 bpm) by Oscar de la Rosa y su Orq. "La Conga" (n.d.)
"Cui Cui" (129 bpm) by Xavier Cugat and his Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra (1938)
"Ahi Viene la Conga" (132 bpm) by Desi Arnaz and his La Conga Orchestra (n.d.)
"Americonga" (134 bpm) by Don Arres and his Orchestra (1940)
Sources
JB38 — Joe Bonomo. (1938). Improve Your Dancing. New York.
AM38 — Arthur Murray. (1938). How To Become A Good Dancer. New York.
PS38 — Pat Sykes. (c. 1938). How to Dance. London.
LG40 — Lawrence Grant. (1940). How To Do The Newest Dance Steps And Variations (Reader Mail Edition). Toronto.
AM41 — Arthur Murray. (1941). Arthur Murray's Dance Book. New York.
AM42 — Arthur Murray. (1942). How To Become A Good Dancer. New York.
AM44 — Arthur Murray. (1944). The Dance Book Of Arthur Murray [Arthur Murray's Dance Book]. New York.
ES44 — Ella Spowart. (c. 1944). Ballroom & Services Dance Instructor, War Edition, Twenty-Fourth Year of Issue. London.
AM47 — Arthur Murray. (1947). How To Become A Good Dancer (Revised Edition). New York.
MM52 — Marie & Mario Montador. (1952). It's Fun To Dance. New York.
JB53 — Joe Bonomo. (1953). Improve Your Dancing (Pocket Manual). New York.
