Our featured dance for May is the Rumba!
If Cha-Cha is the dance of flirtation, the Rumba is the dance of romance. The Rumba is a very versatile dance, because it can be danced to virtually any slow-tempo music. Rumba features a slow, swaying hip motion, which gives it a very sensual feel.
History:
The Rumba's origins are credited to a couple of different sources, and it has both Spanish and African influences. The main source of the Rumba was in Cuba, but rumba influences also came from Africa, with the influx of slaves during the 16th century. The native Rumba was a fast, aggressive, very sexual dance with a staccato beat and exaggerated hip movements.
During World War II, a slower and more refined version of the dance became popular among the Cuban middle class. The American Rumba sprang from this version. The dance was done in New York as early as 1913, but did not become popular until interest in Latin music became more prevalent around 1929. A movie titled "Rumba" brought the dance to the public attention in 1935, but the official "true" version of the Rumba was not recognized until 1955.
Versatility and the opportunity for bodily expression to beautiful music make the Rumba one of the most popular ballroom dances to this day.
Technical Details:
Latin dancing uses a syncopated kind of hip motion, while the upper body remains relatively still. (To practice this, try moving your hips under your rib cage, while the top of your body stays stationary.) The Rumba consists of a box step, made up of a slow forward (or back) step, followed by quick-quick steps to the side.
The more difficult challenge comes in the Latin motion. In the Rumba, the motion can be particularly challenging, because of the control required to sustain the slow, smooth movements. Just remember to bend and straighten your knees alternately with every weight change. This will come with practice, so don't throw out your hip trying to get it right at first! Just keep it in mind as you dance, and eventually it will become easier.
Footwork:
Steps in all directions should be taken on the ball of the foot, with the heel lowering when the weight is fully transferred. The ankles should work during all steps, rolling the foot from the ball to the heel, and making sure the weight transfers fully on each step.
As in other Latin dances, one's toes should remain turned outwards at all times, with the knees bending inwards towards each other during weight changes. This may feel very awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it!
Tips:
1. Latin hip motion can be difficult to pick up, at first. Different methods of instruction work for different people, so you may want to try different instructors or resources until you find one whose explanation works for you. In general, "Latin motion"* is achieved through alternate bending and straightening of the knees, with weight normally placed on the bent leg when taking a step, then transferring to a straight leg. Remember to try to keep your knees as close as possible, with your toes turned out.
2. Arm styling is an important element of the all Latin dances. Arm movements should seem a natural result of the movement of the rest of the body. It looks best when arms are flicked out from the shoulder, instead of lifted up, like a wing, which can look strange and contrived. For vertical arm movements, start with your arm folded close to your body, elbow at your waist, and palm facing your face. Straighten the arm directly overhead, rotating the palm away from you. Otherwise, allow your arms to react naturally to the movements of your body, and keep them generally at or above waist level.
*For more information about "Latin motion," try some of the sites on our Links page. Many of them offer very detailed instructions on specific steps, as well as Latin motion and styling.
If you have any questions about this month's featured dance, or a specific technique, tip, or problem, feel free to e-mail me. If I can answer it, I may even feature your question, and the answer, on this page!
