How to Learn Rumba Dancing Moves

The Rumba is a slow, sensual and romantic partner dance. Several of the moves are influenced by its Cuban and Spanish roots, which spice up the routine. In particular, incorporating an underarm turn and a Cuban walk creates a steamy, sexual overture portraying the flirtatious nature of the dance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rumba music
• Dancing shoes

1. Begin all Rumba moves with the box step. Step forward with leader's left foot as the follower steps backward with her right foot. Continue the same movement and the partners snap their feet together to complete the box step.

2. Repeat to get into the rhythm of the dance. Continue the box step in order for the follower to do an underarm turn move.

3. Begin the turn with the follower's left foot and pivot feet to continue in a circle for a total of 7 steps. Loosely hold the follower's right hand with the leader's left hand above her head as she does the turn.

4. Start the next move, the Cuban walk, when the follower is face to face with the leader again. The follower walks forward for 8 more steps, 1 foot at a time, to the beat of the music.

5. Keep the leader's left hand and the follower's right hand clasped. The leader walks backward with the same steps at the same time. Add some attitude and flare in the walk to heat up the dance.

6. Close feet together on the last step of the walk and embrace again. Continue dance into a box step.

7. Repeat the underarm turn move with or without the Cuban walk at any time during the dance. Vary the Cuban walk by leading around the dance floor instead of a straight line.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice good rumba stance in order to follow the leader's moves. Bend knees and step toe to heel and this helps naturally roll the hips. Feel the Rumba music to follow the slow, quick, quick count.