Where to Start Learning the Passionate Rumba Dance

Dance can embody absolutely anything you want to put into it. From passionate love to deep sadness, from a cheerful carnival mood to burning social issues. There are also styles that combine everything at once. Rumba is one such example.

It is a common misconception that this Cuban dance is solely about the love story between partners. In reality, it has a huge variety of interpretations that have evolved since its inception.

The Birth of Rumba

The dance originated in the mid-19th century in Cuba. Its roots were humble, born from the people. At that time, African Americans and people of African descent were being massively freed from slavery.

Streams of people began moving to big cities, Spanish and African cultural traits started to mix, creating a dance that has since conquered the world. From Spain it got its distinctive music and vocal accompaniment, and from Africa its driving drum rhythm and movements based on ritual dances.

The Drumbeat Silenced

But the drums didn't play for long. Although African Americans in Cuba had it much easier than their counterparts in other countries, they were not spared from strange restrictions. People who literally lived in the rhythms of rumba were deprived of the ability to play their national instruments. If police saw people playing drums on the streets, they would immediately disperse the crowd and confiscate the instruments. But the rhythm could not be taken away. That's how "rumba de bemba" was born. It was performed with the lips. Sounds formed music, and the dance continued its life and development.

Worldwide Passion

Later, this style captivated the entire world! Rumba began to be danced in Europe and the USA. The tropical atmosphere, energetic hip and body movements mesmerized people; everyone wanted to feel the free Cuban spirit!

• Guaguancó. The most popular style, which is why the dance is considered an expression of passion between a man and a woman. During its performance, the partner tries to touch the woman with a handkerchief, and she must gracefully avoid his touches.
• Yambú. Similar to the first, but softer and more fluid, lacking that boldness.
• Colombia. Characterized by fast, sharp movements and the mandatory presence of a male soloist.

Ballroom vs. Authentic

Authentic rumba differs from what we see in ballroom competitions. The ballroom version is more romantic, and the story revolves around romantic relationships.

Originally, this dance represented carnival, celebration, an endless will to live, and the songs were mainly focused on politics. There wasn't as much love as we might think. The dance was a megaphone through which the people tried to speak.