How to Rumba

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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The rumba is a spot dance, thought to have been originated in Cuba by prisoners wearing leg chains. It is ideal for crowded ballroom conditions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Tuxedos
  • Men's Dancing Shoes
  • Best Of Ballroom Rumba CD
  • Rumba Videos
  • Women's Dancing Shoes

The Leader

Step1
Stand opposite your partner.
Step2
Place your right hand on your partner's waist.
Step3
Extend your left hand to chest height with your elbow bent and your palm raised.
Step4
Grasp your partner's hand in a loose grip.
Step5
Listen to the 2/4 or 4/4 beat as the music begins.
Step6
Step with your left foot when you hear the beat: two feet to the left.
Step7
Follow with your right foot.
Step8
Step with your left foot: two feet forward.
Step9
Step with your right foot: forward two feet and to the right two feet, in one fluid motion.
Step10
Bring your left foot to meet your right.
Step11
Step with your right foot: backward two feet.
Step12
Bring your left foot to meet your right.
Step13
Repeat.

The Follower

Step1
Follow the leader.
Step2
Place your left hand on your partner's shoulder.
Step3
Place your right hand in your partner's outstretched hand.
Step4
Step forward when your partner steps back.
Step5
Step back when your partner steps forward.
Step6
Mirror your partner's moves as he makes his steps.

Tips & Warnings

  • Step with your knee bent, and straighten your leg when your foot comes down to the floor. This motion gives the dance a Latin kick.
  • Don't stop when dancing the rumba.

Comments

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MrsLizzy

MrsLizzy said

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on 7/20/2007 What about the rest of it? Where are the other steps such as the "New Yorkers" and "opening out", the "shoulder to shoulder", the "walks" and the "snake"? Please can we have a further article on these if there isn't one already?

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eHow Article: How to Rumba

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