The term “rumba” refers to a variety of Latin dance styles that vary greatly. Almost every rumba dance is intended to imply a sexual relationship between partners. Depending on the type of form danced, the moves can be subtle or quite obvious.
The Cuban rumba is nothing like what you’d see at a ballroom dancing competition. The dance is extremely energetic, and it is thought to have originated from the dancing of African slaves in the West Indies and Caribbean. This type of rumba has been performed since the late 1800s, according to dance historians. Because some of the moves are so suggestive and frank, the dance was frequently deemed unacceptable and outlawed in the countries where it was performed.
Because it is so fast, the Cuban rumba necessitates a high level of athleticism. The dance depicts a male seduction attempt, with the female standing firm in her opposition to the man’s charms. Handstands, flips, and cartwheels are common acrobatic moves in this style of rumba, which are usually performed the male. He must impress his female partner in order to achieve sexual gratification.
The second part of the Cuban rumba usually brings the dancers closer together, and the movements are clearly suggestive of sexual desire. When the couples connect, there is a lot of what one might call “inappropriate” body contact, and many moves indicate various sexual positions with the male clearly dominant. In dance connections, the partners are frequently hip to hip. This type of form is rarely seen outside of exhibitions because it necessitates a large amount of space to be performed properly. The dancers are mostly separated from one another and take up a lot of floor space while performing very different acrobatic moves.
Because the Cuban rumba was deemed inappropriate, a new dance known as the son rumba was created. This dance has a much slower tempo and has been adapted for Ballroom dancing competitions from a traditional dance. The danzon, a third rumba, is a very slow rumba that can be found in West Coast Swing variations.
In contrast to the Cuban rumba, the son rumba is designed to emphasize the female. It’s known as the “love dance” or the “bedroom dance.” As she woos her lover to the bedroom, the female’s moves are deliberate and seductive, but not too quickly. Because the dance is essentially a tease until the very end, the male can act either appreciatively or aggressively. The female, on the other hand, gently repels the male when his movements become hurried. The female and male dance closely together in the final moments or two, symbolizing fulfillment.
Son rumba was introduced to the United States in the 1920s and became quite popular for a time. The introduction of the mambo, on the other hand, caused the rumba to fade into obscurity until it was reintroduced in Latin Dance Ballroom Dance competitions. It is now widely recognized as an important and exciting dance to learn, with a focus on the female dancer’s abilities.