"Rhumba" is a general term for West Indian music or dancing, however, true Rhumba is of African origin. The first serious attempt to introduce the Rhumba to the United States was by Lew Quinn and Joan Sawyer in 1913. In 1955, Pierre Lavelle introduced the true "Cuban Rumba" which was finally established after much argument as the official recognized version. The American Rumba is a modified version of the "Son". Slow and sedate, its chief characteristic is the "cuban motion" hip action, a movement similar to Waltz.

View Rhumba dancing    Play 'Nostalgie' by Julio Iglesias

Rhumba music is usually written in 4/4 time and may be played over a wide variety of tempos. Often in the music, there may be an underlying pulsation of & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4. The basic Rhumba dance steps are counted Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow (SQQS). Rhumba is the spirit and soul of Latin American music and dance. The fascinating rhythms and the bodily expressions make the Rhumba a most sensual ballroom dance.

Lady's Part - Box Step
Beginning with r i g h t foot: 1 step back - left foot to left - close with right foot
continuing with L E F T foot:
1 step forward - right foot to right - close with left foot * repeat entire pattern

Gentleman's Part - Box Step
Beginning with l e f t foot: 1 step forward - right foot to right - close with left foot
continuing with R I G H T foot:
1 step back - left foot to left - close with right foot * repeat entire pattern

Assume partner position and dance the measure with special concentration to stepping with the Ball of the foot for fluent Rhumba dancing. Vary the pattern to an Underarm Turn with the Lady turning to her RIGHT under the Gentleman's LEFT arm.