Welcome to FlamaDance! We believe that dancing is a wonderful thing and would like to introduce to you one of the many great couple dances.
Rhumba is a dance technique stated to originally from Cuba. It also partly has an African influence although it majorly grew in Cuba. It is performed by a woman and a man dancing in close range. The fundamental Rhumba technique of dancing is called the Cuban step. This is a style of moving the hips sensationally. Cuban steps currently have US and Latin variations.
Some people refer to rhumba as the grandfather of Latin dances. From Cuba, it came to the United States first in the 1920s. When compared to most American and Latin dances, Rhumba is the slowest of them all.
The word rumba is a generic word that covers a variety of names; including Naningo, Guaracha, Guagira, Danzon and Son. There is a slightly variation of the meaning of the dance from island to island. The word itself comes from “rumbear” which means partying, dancing and having a great time.
Characteristics of the Rhumba Dance
Rhumba is very slow, serious and romantic ballroom or couple dance. It also has characteristic flirtation between the dance partners. It is considered by many as fun to watch. As the lady dances, she seemingly rejects her male partner with what appears as loving aggression. In Rhumba, the lady moves her body and hips rhythmically giving off intense and steamy scenes of passion.
Rhumba Action
Rumba has characteristic hip movements and sways. These are generated through straightening and bending the knees. Sharp eye contact is usually maintained between the dancers increasing the intensity and passion of the dance. The sensuous and strong body movements are normally emphasized by the stillness of the dancers’ upper bodies.
Distinctive Steps in Rhumba
Rhumba has a quick-quick-slow rhythm with the hips moving side-to-side. Despite the fact that the hip movements are exaggerated, they are not generated by the dancer’s hips, but rather a good ankle, foot, leg and knee action. The hips naturally move when there is a great transfer of weight to these areas. Rhumba steps include:
• El Paseo
• Hip Rolls
• Fencing Line
• La Elenita
• Open Hip Twist
• Aida
• Alemana Turn
• Hockey Stick
• Fan
Ballroom Rhumba
The modern style of dancing rhumba is derived from the teachings of Monsieur Pierre, a dance teacher from London who partnered with Doris Lavelle. Pierre visited Cuba in different times between 1947 and 1953 to check out the Cuban methods of dancing. Ballroom rhumba is a slow dance of approximately 110 beats per minute. This corresponds to what the older generation of Cubans called bolero-son.
Rhumba Rhythm and Music
The music is written with four beats per measure. One step is completed in two music measures. The tempo of the music normally ranges from 105 to 120 beats per minute. The rhythm of rumba has found its way into Rock, Blues and other popular genres of music. Sometimes, homemade instruments such as spoons, pans and pots are used to enhance the music.
Couple Dance
This type of dance is considered fun and romantic. It is ideal for a couple who are deeply in love. Partners find it romantic when they go for dance classes together, master the moves and go have a great time. On FlamaDance we feature a fantastic dance course that will teach you how to dance Rhumba or any other of the most popular ballroom dances for couples like Cha Cha, FoxTrott, Waltz, Tango, Samba, Salsa, Jive.
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