Social Dances

American Style Rumba – A beginner’s dance lesson with options for dancers who already know the basics.

Known as the dance of love, the Rumba is a crowd favourite. It often tells a romantic story between two people. 

Timing

The American Rumba breaks on count one, unlike its International Rumba counterpart, who break on count two.

This dance can also be counted in a “Slow, Quick, Quick” timing, where a  slow represents two counts,  and a quick represents one count. Therefore, a “slow, quick, quick” can also be counted “one two (slow) three (quick) four (quick).  

Breakdown of Basic Step – American Rumba

The Leaders part

1. Prepare to dance with your weight on your right foot and your left foot free.
2. Step forward with your left foot.
3. Take a side step with your right foot and close your left foot to your right foot.
4. Switch your weight to the left foot; the right foot should be free.
5. Step back with your right foot.
6. Step to the side with your left foot, now close the right foot to the left.

The Followers part:

1. Prepare to dance with your weight on your left foot and your right foot free.
2. Step backwards with your right foot.
3. Take a side step with your left foot and close your right foot to your left foot.
4. Switch your weight to the right foot, now the left foot should be free.
5. Step forward with your left foot.
6. Step to the side with your right foot, now close the left foot to the right.

This basic step should look like you are drawing a box with your feet.