Learn how to Rumba dance with basic steps (below).
Rumba Dance History & Character:
The American Rumba originated in Cuba, and became famous in the USA during the 1920’s. This dance’s character was an offshoot from the Bolero-Son dance, dances to afro-cuban inspired music. This dance incorporates a lot of foot an leg pressure into the floor with every weight change. There is a natural hip action that is achieved from bending and straightening the knees. In open figures there is an emphasize on arm styling by extending the “free arms”.
The Rumba has many similarities to Cha Cha and Salsa, but its timing and technique make it unique.
Popular songs that fit the Rumba:
“Save the last dance” by Michael buble
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson.
“Love on the Weekend” by John Mayer
The way you count the Rumba dance is: “Slow, Quick, Quick” through out. The slow is 2 beats, while the quick is only 1 beat. An alternative way to count in numbers would be: 1,2 (Slow), 3,4 (Quick, Quick). The Rumba is 4/4 musical measure.
In the first video you’ll how to do the Rumba box step which is one of the most popular Rumba basic steps. In the second video you’ll learn the side basic step, another great move to mix in your dancing.
First, Rumba Basic Steps (The Box):
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Start Your 7-Day Free TrialSummary of Rumba Box Steps (Above)
Men:
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Women:
Back with right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot
Fwd with left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot
Pro Tip:
You want to do what is called “cuban motion” latin technique – which can be achieved just by bending and straightening your knees through out this dance.
Summary of Side Basic Steps (Above)
Men:
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot and switch weight
Switch weight on left foot
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot and switch weight
Switch weight on right foot
Women:
Side with right foot
Close left foot to right foot and switch weight
Switch weight on right foot
Side with left foot
Close right foot to left foot and switch weight
Switch weight on left foot
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Start Your 7-Day Free TrialDid you like this Rumba guide? Let us know in the comments below!
Related Dance Lessons:
More Rumba Dance Lessons
How To Cha Cha Dance
East Coast Swing Dance Moves
How To Waltz Dance
Salsa Basic Steps
How To Dance Bachata
do you have a way to make the hip? move like you? any special power, strength for that move?
Yes of course there is a technique for moving the hips and body. In Rumba we have something called Cuban motion. I have done 3 videos covering “Cuban motion” which explains the hip and body action better. They are listed under Technique & Styling here: https://www.passion4dancing.com/category/dance-instruction-videos/technique-dance-lessons/
What is the title/song for the music for this lesson, please? (It’s nice and slow for beginners.)
Hi Peter,
We made this video a while back. I actually can’t remember what the name of that Rumba song is! Sorry, If I remember I’ll post it here.
Peter,
Mondo Bongo
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
Hi there,
Please try to refresh the page or try another browser. Everything works here for me.
At 01.11 , should not the man’s first step be to the right. ( as later in the video) or am I missing something?
One the side step, which hip does the Cuban motion? The one that steps out or the one that comes in, or both?
Terry
Hi Terry,
With Cuban motion in the beginning the hip will be on opposite side of the stepping leg, but once you transfer the weight completely you should transfer the hip to that leg as well.
I’ll need to make some detailed technique videos on this in the future.
Best
Leon