Are You Ready to Rumba? A Brief History

The Rumba, also known as Rhumba, is a fun, exciting, and challenging partner dance. The term also refers to a family of similar, yet specific musical styles. The movements of the dance are distinguished by both partners' continuous and subtle swaying motion of the hips, while the core of the body remains upright and poised. The Rumba is wonderfully entertaining to watch and even more wonderful to dance. It presents a playful challenge for dancers at all levels and walks of life.

It is said that the Rumba dance arrived at the shores of the Northeastern United States and elsewhere sometime in the 1930's, during the last of the prohibition years. It's easy to imagine the cabarets and speakeasies celebrating the sensuality of the Rumba late into the nights.

Developed first in Africa and heavily influenced by Cuban folk roots, the Rumba was a product of the cultural melting pot resulting from the slave trade. These Afro-Cuban origins produced a complex and intricate style of dance with many rhythms. Thanks to Rumba's numerous and compelling layers of sound and form, several other styles of dance were borne from it, including Salsa dancing.

The Rumba steps follow a familiar quick-quick-slow pattern. (Does that ring any bells?) Coordinating the steps and the hip sway may prove to be little bit tricky and puzzling at first, but the dance itself is well worth an initial learning curve.

These days, American-style Rumba is distinct from the International Style. The difference? It's all about technique. The word 'rumba' can also refer, in a general sense, to a party. And what better excuse for a party than to go out dancing on the town?

Quick Quick Slow Ballroom Dance Studio offers numerous fun and educational classes, lessons and social dances - partner optional. Are youready to Rumba? Feel free to contact us today!