The dance began to gain prominence in the early 1930s, and by the '40s was already an international favorite. In the English speaking world, it is often called the "Cuban Rhumba" because of it's folk dance roots in the Cuban Guajira dance, while in the Spanish speaking world it is referred to as the Bolero-Rhumba. But whatever you call it, call it Romantic.

The dance uses only a small part of the dance floor;- the dancer's do not move around the room. Do not take large steps. Interestingly, many dancers feel this Basic Step best conveys the true Rhumba "feeling". In more advanced figures of the dance, it is not unusual for rhumba moves to end with the feet apart.

Tempo:
Usually 32-36 bars in the USA, although often played at a slower 22 bars/min. While in the rest of the world, 26-27 is common.
Music Time Signature:
4/4 signature. 4 equal beats per measure, with each beat having one count. In Rhumba rhythm, the 4th beat is accented.

Here are some Rhumba tunes for your practice sessions.
Listen to:
"Baile Me"
"La Macarena"
"Mix de Rumbas 2"
"Ritmo de La Noche"
"Aqua Dulce, Aqua Sala"
"Bambaleo"

Here are two very easy Rhumba steps. This first one uses the basic 8 count (as shown below), but instead of the usual "making a box", -we do side-steps - right and left. Very easy and fun to do.

  VIDEO: "Rumba Fundamentals"   (Film Clip: derbeno ): Very easy instructions on dancing the Rumba,. Rumba basics to add fun to salsa dancing by Rafael & Janet. two-time 'Tropicana World Champions' Rafael and Janet were both born and trained in Cuba as professional dancers. Check out their DVD "Get it Right" for more Cuban salsa tips.

Here below, is the (perhaps) more traditional "Rumba Box Step". Still the usual 8 count. Also very easy and much fun.

1. Left foot forward --- One, Two
2. Right foot to side --- Three
3. Left foot closes to right foot --- Four
4. Right foot back --- One, Two
5. Left foot to side --- Three
6. Right foot closes to left foot --- Four

1. Right foot back --- One, Two
2. Left foot to side --- Three
3. Right foot closes to left foot --- Four
4. Left foot forward --- One, Two
5. Right foot to side --- Three
6. Left foot closes to right foot --- Four

On the Right is a method of Amalgamating the Box Steps. While the Rhumba Box Step is repeatable from step #1, the 'Lead' has the option of adding a 1/8 turn to the left on steps 1 and 4. Note that after Eight 1/8 (or Four 1/4) Turns, the couple will end up in the same position from which they started.

For this famous "Cuban" dance, partners should take the 'Closed Position', about 30 CM, or 1 foot, apart. The various combinations take place in the Rbumba Box Square area, with steps that are refined and not ostentatious. It is a 'Rhythm' dance and so does not follow a 'Line of Dance'.

The Rhumba has elegant and refined moves with steps similar to the "slow quick quick" steps of the "Smooth" dances. But, like the Cha Cha and Samba, the steps are short and precise. Be sure that the very first steps of each music measure are taken to the very first beat. (The music is in 4/4 time.)