The Rumba

The rumba is a music genre that originated in Cuba but is based on African styles. The Rumba consists of eight bars played in 2/4 time, without variation and danced with often exaggerated hip action and dance movements.

Rumba was introduced to the United States during World War I although many insist it was as late as the early 1930's. Over time it became quite popular, as it had in many other countries around the world.

It has only been recently that most people have learned to distinguish the Rumba from other, similar musical styles; acknowledging the original meaning it has always had for Cubans and others that were truly familiar with Latin music genres.

Rumba is the spirit and soul of Latin American music and dance. The fascinating rhythms and bodily expressions make the Rumba one of the most popular ballroom dances.

Song Suggestions:

Fallen by Lauren Wood
Kokamo by Beach Boys
Smooth Operator by Sade
Sway With Me by Dean Martin
It's Now or Never by Elvis Presley
You Can't Say No In Acapulco by Elvis Presley
Love Me Tonight by Elvis Presley
Hollywood Nocturne by Brian Setzer Orchestra
Teach You A Lesson by Robin Thicke
Dancing In The Moonlight by
Stand By Me by Otis Redding
Quando Quando Quando by Michael Buble
Mondo Bongo by Mr. & Mrs. Smith Soundtrack
So Nice (Summer Samba) by Bebel Gilberto
Perhaps perhaps perhaps by Doris Day
Perfidia by Shall We Dance Soundtrack
Under The Boardwalk by Drifters
Save The Last Dance by Freddy Fender
The Way You Look Tonight by Peter Cincotti
Besame Mucho by
Quizas, Quizas, Quizas by Celia Cruz
In The Still Of The Night by Jane Monheit
The Girl From Ipanema by Bebel Gilberto
Some Kind Of Wonderful by Peter Cincotti
Something Stupid by Various Artists