Rumba, one of the most popular Latin American dances, second only to Salsa, is characterized by slow and sensual movements. Many refer to it as the "Dance of Love". Because of its romantic nature, it's a very popular choice for weddings. In this article we'll take a look at some historical facts about rumba.
Rumba developed in the 16th century in Cuba and has African origins. It appeared when the Spanish colonists brought African slaves to South America and the Caribbean. Music that original rumba was danced to was a mixture of Spanish melodies and African rhythms.
The original form of rumba was very fast and sensuous. Because of this it was often viewed as immoral and sometimes suppressed and restricted. The word rumba comes from the Spanish word "rumbear" which means going to parties, dancing, and having a good time.
Afro-Cuban rumba is very different than the rumba we know today. American style was popularized in the United States in 1930s. At that time it had a fast tempo and was usually accompanied by Big Band music. Early American Rumba was danced almost twice as fast as the modern ballroom rumba.
The modern style rumba is danced to a wide variety of music written in 4/4 time. The rhythm of the steps is slow,quick,quick, with slow step danced over two counts of music. Some of the most famous rumba songs include Frank Sinatra - Girl from Ipanema, The Beetles - And I Love Her, Gloria Estefan - Mi Buen Amor, and Chris Isaak - Wicked Game just to name a few.
Over time, rumba transformed from wild and fast to slow and sensual. Although it changed a lot from its Afro-Cuban origins, it still remains a dance of passion.
Rumba is certainly the most sensual of Latin dances. Today, it's one of the most popular social and ballroom dances. Easy to learn and definitely worth trying.
Rumba developed in the 16th century in Cuba and has African origins. It appeared when the Spanish colonists brought African slaves to South America and the Caribbean. Music that original rumba was danced to was a mixture of Spanish melodies and African rhythms.
The original form of rumba was very fast and sensuous. Because of this it was often viewed as immoral and sometimes suppressed and restricted. The word rumba comes from the Spanish word "rumbear" which means going to parties, dancing, and having a good time.
Afro-Cuban rumba is very different than the rumba we know today. American style was popularized in the United States in 1930s. At that time it had a fast tempo and was usually accompanied by Big Band music. Early American Rumba was danced almost twice as fast as the modern ballroom rumba.
The modern style rumba is danced to a wide variety of music written in 4/4 time. The rhythm of the steps is slow,quick,quick, with slow step danced over two counts of music. Some of the most famous rumba songs include Frank Sinatra - Girl from Ipanema, The Beetles - And I Love Her, Gloria Estefan - Mi Buen Amor, and Chris Isaak - Wicked Game just to name a few.
Over time, rumba transformed from wild and fast to slow and sensual. Although it changed a lot from its Afro-Cuban origins, it still remains a dance of passion.
Rumba is certainly the most sensual of Latin dances. Today, it's one of the most popular social and ballroom dances. Easy to learn and definitely worth trying.
About the Author:
Jessica Wigan loves to dance rumba, the dance of love. Give it a try, visit learn to rumba and see how easy it is to learn the basic American rumba steps.
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