The Rumba
|
Dance Summary
Type: American Rhythm Character: Sensuous movment, graceful Music: Latin pop (4/4) In Short: Rumba is another good training dance, especially for mixed timing. Allows for significant creativity and very practical |
|
|
Beginner's Rating
Simple:  Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score: |
|
|
Notes on Frame Maintain a concentrated round frame, keeping elbows up and level from one side to the next and maintaining a forward posture towards your partner. Keep shoulders slightly forward of the torso, and maintain a solid but not rigid connection with your partner. The man's left hand should be at or just above the lady's eye level and his right centered on her shoulder blade. The lady's left hand should oppose the man's right shoulder. Partner's heads should be directed towards one another. Do not arch your back or look at your feet when dancing. |
|
|
Notes on Footwork All steps should be taken on the inside edge of the balls of the feet in order to facilitate a stop-and-go sort of motion as well as cuban hip motion, no more than shoulder width when stepping to the side and heel to toe when stepping forwards and backwards. Latin dances employ sudden quicks and lingering slows to produce stocatto movement around the floor. Feet should always be in contact with the floor. |
|
|
Notes on Movement Generally Latin dances such at this will be contained and circular, aside from a few patterns which allow for more travel. Higher level dancers will travel more than beginning dancers. There are no rules for travel in this dance. Simply be considerate of others on the floor, being careful to allow adequate space for any patterns performed. |
|
Practice Points
If the basic appears a little complicated to begin with, then begin by marching out the timing in quicks and slows in place. Once the timing is more familiar, expand the pattern to the full basic, being careful to change weight when bringing the feet together and holding the opposing foot in place on the slow step until the next quick so as to take it directly to the next corner of the box. Be sure to maintain a strong forward posture and a solid connection through the dance frame.
Recommendations
Rumba is another dance which is particularly favorable to beginners and is simulateously useful for introducing newcomers to the basic box step in addition to educating them on quick and slow timing. Due to its more relaxed pace, the Rumba allows more time for thought and is more forgiving of error than other more fast-paced dances. Also known as the "dance of love," Rumba is especially appropriate for couples in search of a romantic expression of their feelings for one another.
This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:
Anniversary Evenings  Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs | Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances | Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events |