Rumba
The Bronze · Bronze · American Rhythm
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo — studio
- 30–34 MPM
- Tempo — NDCA
- 32–36 MPM
- Count
- S Q Q
Origin
African rhythm and Spanish melody, born in 19th-century Cuba out of Son, Danzon, and African drum dances. Popularized in the U.S. by orchestra leaders such as Xavier Cugat and adapted into a ballroom style — the syllabus Rumba comes from Son, the slower form.
Music
4/4 time — a slow Latin rhythm with a strong, settling hip action.
Character
The dance of love — fluid and smooth, its Cuban Motion born from the bend and straightening of the knees, on a slow-quick-quick rhythm.
Figures
- 1
Box
- 2
Box with Slow Underarm Turn
- 3
Side Basic
- 4
Breaks
Crossover · Fifth Position · Open · Outside/Offset · Side
- 5
Opening Outs (R & L)
- 6
Underarm Turns (L & R)
- 7
Switch / Solo Spot Turns
- 8
Rocks
Forward · Back · Side
- 9
Cuban Walks
- 10
Crossbody Lead
- 11
Crossbody Lead to Cuban Walks
- 12
Back Spot Turn / Natural Top
- 13
Sweethearts
- 14
Peek-a-Boo / Stop & Go
- 15
Side Passes (R & L)
Elsewhere in The Bronze
Want to learn the Rumba?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.