Rumba

The Rumba is a slow- to medium-tempo Latin American dance in 4/4 time characterized by sensual, provocative movements and gestures, Latin-style hip motion, and playful and flirtatious interplay between man and lady. The Rumba is Cuban in origin and is often referred to as the “dance of love”. Sultry and romantic, the music is a mixture of African and Latin rhythms. The Rumba was originally a courtship, marriage, and street dance in Africa. It is believed that the Rumba was brought to America by the African slaves, but around 1928/1929 the actual steps and figures of this dance were not clear. Many people treated and danced it like a new type of the Foxtrot with additional hip actions. After the World War II the Rumba was further developed into the “Cuban Rumba” by monsieur Pierre and Doris Lavell. Still the standardization was a problem until Walter Laird wrote his Latin-American dance technique books and his work was accepted by many official dance Associations and the Rumba was standardized.

The characteristic feature of the Rumba is its “Cuban Motion” created by taking each step without initially placing the weight on the stepping foot but transferring the weight gradually and with control through the hip. The body never stops moving and changing its shape and the feet are constantly slightly skimming the floor. Arm movements are initiated from the core of the body and are a result of body movement.