Get the moves for Saturday's Main Street Latin Festival

For more than a decade, the Main Street Latin Festival has showcased the culture and vitality of Columbia’s Latino community through music performances, dancing and delicious food.

In the past few years, the festival has attracted more than 10,000 people to downtown Columbia, according to festival organizers. This year should be no exception.

The Main Street Latin Festival will have kick-off party at 9 p.m. Friday at the Marriott Hotel downtown, with an after party at the Social club from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The main event is Saturday’s daylong party. The festival will be centered on 1400 Main St. and will last from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year’s performers include Colombian songstress Patty Padilla, Atlanta bachata band Bachata Urbana, Puerto Rican singer Herman Olivera and Orlando Feliciano.

Their styles of music include merengue, salsa and bachata.

Now, not all of us are natural dancers. So, to help you prep for Saturday, here are some basic dance steps you might want to brush up on before you hit the streets. (Although your best bet is probably to snag a dance partner who knows what he or she is doing.)

For visual learning, check out our video at gocolumbia.com.

Merengue

Merengue comes from the Dominican Republic and is danced to a fast beat.

The basic step is shifting from one foot to the other, with the hip movement coming from bending one leg and straightening the other with each shift.

Salsa

Salsa is a mix of Latin styles, although it is usually credited as coming from Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Salsa requires more technique than most other Latin dances and is usually considered more difficult.

Start with both of your feet together. On the first beat, step forward with your left foot. On the second beat, rock back on your right foot. Step back with your left foot, placing the weight on the ball of your foot. Then, place your weight on the heel of your foot. Repeat on the right side, but start with a step forward.

Bachata

The bachata is a sensual dance originating in the Dominican Republic. At its most basic, the bachata consists of a simple side-to-side step.

Moving in one direction, step, step, step, tap. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Ladies, make sure you’re moving your hips, popping them with the taps.

Guys, make sure you’re moving your shoulders.

For more information on the festival, visit www.mainstreetlatinfestival.com.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 1:56 PM.