American Rumba : History
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   The dance known in the United States as the rumba is a composite of several 
dances popular in Cuba, including the guaracha, the Cuban bolero, the Cuban 
son, and the rural rumba. All have similar rhythms that can be traced to 
religious and ceremonial dances of Africa. These rhythms were remembered by 
the earliest black people transported unwillingly to Cuba and subjected to 
forced labour by the Spanish colonists. The same pulsating dance rhythms may 
still be found in parts of Africa, but the dances have been altered by contact 
with other cultures and races.
   The rural rumba is a pantomimic dance originating in the rural areas. It 
depicts the movements of various barnyard animals in an amusing manner, and is 
basically an exhibition, rather than a participation dance. Both the Cuban son 
and the Cuban bolero are moderate tempo dances in traditional ballroom form. 
The guaracha is distinguished by its fast, cheerful tempo. In styling, the 
American rumba closely resembles the Cuban son and the Cuban bolero.
   The American rumba adaptation of the Cuban dances were first introduced in 
the United States in 1930. Its unique styling and unusual musical rhythms 
immediately captured the fancy of ballroom dance enthusiasts, and it has 

retained its popularity to the present time.

Rumba : Styling
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   The American rumba does not progress around the dancing area as the waltz 
and foxtrot do, but rather remains in a small area with occasional traveling 
figures added for variety.

Rumba : Music
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   American rumba music may be composed in either 2/4 or 4/4 time. In either 
case, the rhythm may be computed in counts of 4, each of equal duration. The 
basic footwork of the dance consists of three steps taken on the first three 
beats of a measure, with a hold (no step) on the fourth beat. Two measures are 
required for a complete pattern.