The word Rumba is a generic term, covering a variety of names for a type of West Indian music or dancing. The exact meaning varies from island to island.
There are two types of the dances, one is Spanish and the other is African. Even though the Rumba was mainly grown in Cuba, there were similar dance developments which took place in other Caribbean islands and in Latin America generally.
Man's Steps
Step1
Man stands opposite hisr partner.
Step2
Place his right hand on his partner's waist.
Step3
Extend his left hand to chest height with his elbow bent and his palm raised.
Step4
Grasp man's partner's hand in a loose grip.
Step5
Listen to the 2/4 or 4/4 beat as the music begins.
Step6
Step with man's left foot when he hears the beat: two feet to the left.
Step7
Follow with man's right foot.
Step8
Step with his left foot: two feet forward.
Step9
Step with his right foot: forward two feet and to the right two feet, in one fluid motion.
Step10
Bring his left foot to meet his right.
Step11
Step with his right foot: backward two feet.
Step12
Bring his left foot to meet his right.
Step13
Repeat.
Woman's Steps
Step1
Follow the leader.
Step2
Place woman's left hand on her partner's shoulder.
Step3
Place her right hand in her partner's outstretched hand.
Step4
Step forward when her partner steps back.
Step5
Step back when her partner steps forward.
Step6
Mirror woman's partner's moves as he makes his steps.
