The rumba attracts attention with its original movements filled with flirtation and passion. But did the unrestrained emotions of two lovers really form the basis of this dance? The history of the style conceals interesting moments, about which we propose to learn right now.

Rumba is a multicultural phenomenon. Speaking in modern language, it is a separate subculture, like the dancers, hippies, etc. It’s a conversation about the unity of music and dance, with the melody setting the rhythm for the dancers.

Those who are barely familiar with this dance style may have the impression that it is a dance of love and passion. But it is not. The real Cuban rumba – it is a celebration, joy and desire to enjoy life. The lyrics of the songs revolve around two themes: politics and social order. There is little love, but a lot of energetic movement and frenzied rhythm, which is set by the African drums.

Where then did the distorted perception of the dance come from? Thanks to the style’s conferral of international status. The ballroom rumba features calmer, more romantic music and more graceful choreography. Watching the dancers flirting on the stage, one can feel sadness and melancholy for the lost love.

But the features of the rumba do not end there. Cuban direction is divided into three types, each of which is endowed with specific features.

Guaguanco is the most common rumba. It resembles a flirtation between two partners. In this case, the man tries to touch

Yambu – the oldest rumba, where also at the forefront is the flirting of the partner with his partner. But it is much gentler and less impertinent than the Guaguanco.

Colombia. Unlike previous varieties, this rumba arose in the rural areas of Cuba. The style stands out for its fast pace, vigor and mandatory presence of the male solo dancer.

In general terms, the rumba is:

Pair dance;
spectacular movements of the hips, body and arms;
Special atmosphere of the tropics, disposed to rest and bliss on the ocean.

In the U.S., talk about the rumba among the population were heard as early as 1914. But no one really liked the dance. It took about 20 years for the style to take on a new form called the “American rumba. A kind of rebirth of the genre occurred under the influence of jazz – the choreography was filled with simpler figures and a clear rhythm of steps.

Europeans owe the appearance of the rumba in their homeland to dance teacher Pierre Lavelle. Traveling through Cuba, he was so inspired by the country’s dance culture that he could not leave it without the attention of his students in London. The style caused heated controversy among the prim English, but that didn’t stop it from being standardized in 1955. By the way, in addition to the rumba, Lavelle enriched the culture of the Old World with the cha-cha-cha.