RUMBA

The inventors of the Rumba dance are the slaves of Africa. The historical background of the
rumba dance is rich and diverse, tracing its origins and development over time. The
generation of the rumba can be found in the African slave trade, where African rhythms
and movements were brought to the Caribbean and Latin America. The rumba originated in
Cuba, primarily in the urban areas of Havana and Matanzas. It was heavily influenced by
the African rhythms and dances brought by enslaved Africans, as well as the Spanish and
French colonial influences in Cuba. The dance was initially performed in the lower side of
the neighbors and it became popular in the lower classes.

In its early stages, the rumba was a social dance that allowed people to express their
emotions and tell stories through movement. It was often performed in the streets, parks,
and dance halls, becoming an integral part of Cuban culture. The dance was characterized
by its sensual and rhythmic movements, with a strong emphasis on hip and pelvic
movements. As the rumba gained popularity, it began to evolve and incorporate elements
from other dance styles. In the early 20th century, the rumba started to incorporate
elements of American jazz and swing, creating a combination of styles known as the Afro-
Cuban rumba. This fusion brought a new level of intensity and uniqueness to the dance, to
attract a wider audience.

During their century, the rumba experienced a hit in popularity, both in Cuba and in
globality. It became a symbol of Cuban identity and was embraced by dancers and
musicians worldwide. The rumba was featured in numerous films and stage performances,
further spreading its influence and popularity. In the 1950s, the rumba underwent further
transformations as it was introduced to the US. It was adapted to fit the American ballroom
dance style, becoming known as the rumba. This version of the dance focused more on the
formalized steps and partner connection, while still retaining the style of the original Cuban
rumba. Nowadays, the rumba continues to be a popular dance style, both in its traditional
Cuban form and as a ballroom dance. It is celebrated for its vibrant rhythms, sensual
movements, and expressive storytelling. The rumba has become an integral part of Latin
American and Caribbean culture, representing the rich history and diversity of the region.

Rumba is a lively and passionate dance that originated in Cuba. It is characterized by its
energetic movements, sensual hip action, and flirtatious interactions between partners.
The dance incorporates both slow, romantic steps and quick, rhythmic footwork. Rumba is
often performed to Latin music, such as salsa or son, and is a popular dance style in many
parts of the world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, learning the
Rumba can be a fun and exciting way to express yourself through movement. Rumba dance
is a popular style of dance that originated in Cuba. It is known for its lively and energetic
movements, characterized by quick footwork and hip movements. The dance is typically
performed to Latin music with a strong beat, and often involves flirtatious and playful
interactions between the dancers. Rumba dance is not only a fun and entertaining form of
expression, but it is also a great way to improve coordination, flexibility, and stamina.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, learning the fundamentals of rumba
dance can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
STEPS IN RUMBA:
Rumba is usually danced to music written in 4/4 time, with four beats to each measure. The
basic step is a very simple box step. It consist of three basic steps - two quick side steps and
a slow forward or backward step.
The rhythm of the steps is slow, quick, quick. A slow step is danced over two counts of
music, while a quick step is danced over one count.
Rumba is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like
in many other dances, but rather stays in one location. It is done to music with slow tempo
and emphasizes on hip movements (what we call Cuban motion).

Basic Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man's steps are as follows:

Step forward with your left foot

Sidestep to the right with your right foot
Move your left foot to your right foot
Step back with your right foot
Sidestep to the left with your left foot
Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. The woman's steps are as follows:

Step back with your right foot

Sidestep to the left with your left foot
Move your right foot to your left foot
Step forward with your left foot
Sidestep to the right with your right foot
Move your left foot to your right foot