rhumba

In the US, the term "rhumba" (anglicised version of rumba) began to be used during the 1920s to refer to ballroom music with Afro-Cuban music themes, particularly in the context of big band music. This music was mostly inspired by son cubano, while being rhythmically and instrumentally unrelated to Cuban rumba.

rumba, also spelled rhumba, ballroom dance of Afro-Cuban folk-dance origin that became internationally popular in the early 20th century. Best known for the dancers' subtle side to side hip movements with the torso erect, the rumba is danced with a basic pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step.

There are three Rumba rhythm styles: Guaguancó, Yambú, and Columbia. Originally the Rumba was played on the cajones - wooden boxes in three different sizes - that functioned as the three congas do now.

Rumba is a secular genre of Cuban music involving dance, percussion, and song. It originated in the northern regions of Cuba, mainly in urban Havana and Matanzas, during the late 19th century. It is based on African music and dance traditions, namely Abakuá and yuka, as well as the Spanish-based coros de clave.

Rumba holds pride of place both as Cuba's national dance music and for its distinction of having spawned, in tandem with the Cuban son, countless Latin-influence music styles throughout the world since the 1950s, including salsa.

As with all Latin dances, the key to making the dance look great is in the styling and in the Cuban motion. The professionals can make even the simplest patterns look outstanding due to their styling. Achieving the soft hip action is most important.

The Rumba is a dance that tells a story of love and passion between a strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman. Full of sensual movements, the Rumba is considered by many to be the sexiest of the ballroom dances.

It was a protest of sorts, a vital form of self-expression for people denied other freedoms. Slavery was abolished in Cuba by 1886, yet the rumba continued to evolve. Dancers developed different styles: the primarily male columbia, the sensual yambú, and the pelvis-thrusting guaguancó, Cuba's most popular form.

Rhumba with an "h" is an older ballroom-style of dance of mixed up with rumba. Rumba with no "h" is the rumba most percussionists would think of and is a broad category of folkloric style/rhythms from Cuba (there are three main types and a specific clave pattern that goes with them.)

Rhythm & Timing: Rumba is generally done in 4/4 timing with 28-32 bars per minute. Rumba is a Latin dance and contains plenty of percussion including a continuous flow of eighth notes. Slower tempos allow the dancer the opportunity to “feel” and react to the music.

The rumba is characterized by close partner work, a still upper body, and slow swaying hips and footwork that follows a slow-quick-quick pattern (American style) or a quick-quick-slow pattern (International style).

Cuban rumba begins with a chant upon which different elements are added. It's an important part of Afro-Cuban culture, and in its earliest forms served as a form of personal entertainment - the style was played in back yards or on the streets with family and friends - as well as an outlet for protest.