Non Rigid Dance Styling.

According to the latest version of the history of rumba, it is believed that rumba originated from the African Negros imported to Cuba as slaves. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Most studies completely ignore the fact that there were maybe half million natives of the Americas living on the islands of the Caribbean Sea when the first illegal aliens arrived.

"Devuelveme El Corazon" by Patricia Gamero

The natives were dancing many different versions of the Rumba which was fast and resembled the Mambo more than anything else. In 1500, there were maybe 100 Europeans and a couple of blacks. Big, Big influence on the dancing. No? By the 1600s it has been stated as a fact that the blacks outnumbered the whites in the Caribbean. Probably true, however they are again ignoring the natives of the Americas.

At that time there may have been 10000 whites and blacks but no where near the populations of the natives. And the natives were still dancing. The poorest of the whites learned the Indian way. The Blacks had not been picked because of their dancing abilities and they all learned the Indian way. But the dancing remained a native Indian dance, that had been danced by the natives for centuries. This was on their kuleana.

"Ven Devorame Otra Vez" by Azucar Moreno

The dances of these natives put emphasis on the movement of the dancer’s body and not the feet. The rumba tune was considered to be less significant than the intricate cross rhythms offered by a striking of bottles, spoons and pots and in the 20th century, card board boxes.

The term ‘rumbo’ connotes ‘route’ in Spanish while the term ‘rumba’ connotes ‘heap pile’. Since there were so many styles, "por ese rumbo" meant "somewhat like that." So all the similar dances acquired the name Rumbo or Rumba, which later, because of its low class, remained Rumba. Meanwhile the dance itself was also changing within the Indian ranks with little influence from the Europeans or the Blacks.

"Que Sabes De Amor?" by Pandora

The history of Rumba dance was initiated in the U.S.A in the early 1930’s as a fusion of the rural rumba with Cuban Bolero, Guaracha and the Son. George Raft popularized the rumba dance in the year 1935. This he did by playing a part in the ‘Rumba’ movie where he featured as a suave dancer that won an heiress’s heart through dancing. However, Frank Veloz did the main male dance part in the movie.

However Arthur Murray goofed it up when he introduced the box step from the American fox trot. Later Fred Astaire followed suit, and it went to the courts. The decision in favor of Arthur Murray had a big influence on letting other styles acquire the original rumba movement which was a rock stop and a slow step similar to the Mambo of today.

Dancing appears glamorous, easy, delightful. But the path to paradise of the achievement is not easier than any other. There is fatigue so great that the body cries, even in its sleep. There are times of complete frustration, there are daily small deaths.
-Martha Graham

From Dance Vision Boot Camp in Las Vegas; In 2008
(No one has a patent on these movements.)

Donald & Kasia took steps from other Rhythm dances and taught how to fuse them into your American Style Rumba. Can Do?

1) Butterfly (Cha Cha)
2) Check and Circular Walk (Bolero)
3) Romantic Sways (Bolero)
4) Hip Twist and Spin (Bolero)
5) Side Breaks (Mambo)
6) Crossover Break and Walk Around Turn (Mambo)
7) Alternating Underarm Turns (Mambo)
8) Cross Body Lead with Inside Turn (Mambo)
9) Back Spot Turn (Mambo)
10) Extended Box (Samba)

This is Universal Dancing and most experienced dancers do it anyway. It is only lately that it is being recognized as such. The rigid styles will remain rigid in their syllabi, that is their style. Accepted yes, of course, but recognized as being a different style of dance. Incorrect? Depends.

New Latin Night Club featuring Latin Music for the mature. Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Vals and a litte Salsa and
a little Jive to spice it up.