The Rumba Ballroom Dancing Style

Gainey Dance studio offers Dance Lessons in Rumba as part of our Ballroom Dancing program

Rumba is derived from the legendary Cuban dance - Sòn. If you listen to even modern day latin music, you might hear nostalgic, respectful references to Son. American rumba is thought to have contributed to the origin of the cha-cha. Many rumba figures can be reinterpreted in cha.

Rumba is a dance found in both American Rhythm and International Latin styles of Ballroom Dance. The American style rumba is characterized by the Cuban hip motion or hip sway arising from the bending and straightening of the knee. Latin Motion is characterized by stepping on a straight leg, giving the dance a slightly different, yet clearly recognizable appearance. Some dancers consider rumba the most sensual Latin dance. Certainly, the Rumba will give competitive dancers an opportunity to display a striking degree of sensuality.

For the social dancer, Rumba can come it quite handy in a number of situations. The author has actually found herself at a classic Greek party, dancing a very nice Rumba or two! The dance can be worked up to be as athletic and challenging as any of the latin dances but it's slow, smooth tempo and simple "basic" pattern allows the dance to be easily utilized in casual, social dancing scenarios with a very nice, natural appearance.