Rumba Dance Classes Jupiter FL (Palm Beach County)

Rumba developed from a Cuban rhythm and dance called the Bolero-Son; the International style was derived from studies of dance in Cuba in the pre-revolutionary period which was then popularized by the descendants of African slaves of Cuba. Its tantalizing rhythm first invaded the United Sates in the early 1930s, and has remained one of the most popular social dances. The Rumba is characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step.

Of the three styles of Rumba that were introduced to the United States, the Bolero-Rumba, the Son-Rumba and the Guaracha-Rumba, only the Bolero-Rumba (shortened to Bolero) and the Son-Rumba (shortened to Rumba) have survived the test of time. The Guaracha-Rumba quickly faded in popularity when the more exciting Mambo was introduced to Americans in the late 1940s. A smooth and subtle movement of the hips is characteristic of the Rumba..

All social dances in Cuba involve a hip-sway over the standing leg and, though this is less noticeable in faster dances such as Salsa, it is more pronounced in the slower Rumba. In general, steps are kept compact and the dance is danced generally without any rise and fall. This style is authentic, as is the use of free arms in various figures. Competition figures are often complex, and this is where competition dance separates from social dance.

In traditional American Rhythm style, the basic step is a box movement, and the hip movement is achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees, Rumba is danced compactly, with the feet usually no more than shoulder width apart.

In the International Latin style, the basic movements are completely different from the American style. As for technique, the standing leg is almost always straight. The free leg will bend, allowing the hips to settle into the direction of the standing leg. As a step is taken, the free leg will straighten the instant before it receives weight. It should then remain straight until it is completely free of weight again.