Rumba Basic

The Rumba is similar to Waltz in that the basic step in both is a box pattern. The count and the appearance of Rumba is quite different, and Rumba is danced to music with a Latin sound.

Waltz is counted as a 1 – 2 – 3. Rumba is counted as Slow – Quick-Quick. The Slow gets two beats of music, each Quick gets one beat, for a total of four beats.

Here's where it gets fun, and a little challenging.

On beat one of the Slow, step forward with your left foot and land on the ball of that foot. Hold your heel from touching the floor.  You should travel less than a foot in distance.

On the two beat (still part of the Slow), drop the heel of your left foot to the floor. That's all the motion on the two beat. Your body will appear to stay stationary or at a stop during the slow count.

On the third beat,the first Quick, move your right foot to the right side of the left foot. Keep the travel distance inside you shoulders. You want Rumba to be a small but controlled dance.

On beat four, bring your left foot to join the right foot. That completes the first Slow-Quick-Quick, and the first half of the box.

Repeat this pattern, stepping backwards with your right foot for the Slow. Land on the ball of your right foot on beat one, and drop your heel on beat two.  Beat three and four is a Quick-Quick side together.

Ladies you are doing the same pattern, only opposite the guy. When he is stepping forward on the Slow, you will step backwards on the Slow.

This pattern of Slows and Quicks makes Rumba an interesting, and distinct dance. Late in lesson three or four we will visit how to add Cuban motion to this step. For now, concentrate on keeping the steps short, making sure the Slow lasts for two beats, and landing on the ball of your foot.  You can practice this step to songs like "Spanish Eyes" or "Kokomo".  Check the music section of DancingDates for snippets of good dance music.