Rumba - Rumba Walks

Rumba walks are one of the things which when done well seem effortless but which in reality require a lot of practice and more multi tasking than you may have thought!

The technique is the same regardless of whether you are the leader or the follower and I will build it up step by step as I would if teaching it for the first time.

Because of the slow speed of the Rumba, one of the main things that you need to have to dance it well is control. I would recommend remaining within the rhythm of the Rumba when practising your walks and take two steps on the beat and then one step which holds the movement for two counts. (As you would if dancing..... counts 2, 3, 4-1.)

In a space where you can string quite a few steps together, begin by simply walking across the floor and back. Notice how you will normally walk with your heel hitting the floor first and often a relaxed centre. These are the first things that we are going to change.

The next time you walk, change the way that you hold yourself and lift out of your hips. Feel as though you have a big hook through your collar bone which is pulling you forward and slightly up.

After you get the feel of that, change the way that your feet contact the floor. Instead of stepping forward with a heel and allowing your feet to leave the floor, pretend that you have a large bill (£50 or $50 is usually sufficient) underneath the ball of each foot. The moment you lift your foot off the ground, you lose the money.

As you work with the "money" under your feet, think about the foot that you are bringing forward. Make sure it is extending out in front of you before you transfer your weight - pushing off the back foot, which then collects itself underneath you as you move your body weight forward. Stability will be helped if you turn out the foot you are stepping onto. (That means that you show the inside of the heel to the direction you are moving which points your toe diagonally out.)

Chances are, buy this point, you may have forgotten to think about your core and the fish hook through your collar bone. Whilst maintaining your footwork, try to feel the lift of your upper body out of your waist and hips. You should also attempt to keep your shoulders straight towards the direction you are walking and allow all of the work to be done below.... when done properly, this will be something you really feel in your stomach muscles! (It may help to put your arms out to the sides and then raise your hands 90 degrees to emphasise the necessity of keeping your upper body straight towards your LOD. You will be able to tell a lot easier if you are letting your shoulders move with your legs.)

So now, you have footwork that is pressing down into the floor (to keep your money under your toes) as your upper body lifts up and resists the natural movement that moving your legs causes in your shoulders. There should be a lot of resistance in your body as you walk - as though you are walking through treacle - and every single movement should be intentional and controlled.

Once you feel you have this under control, you can begin to work the hip movement into the walk. As you step forward onto the leg, your hip will move forward, to the side, and then settle slightly back - the way a lot of people naturally stand, with one hip pushed out slightly back. As you step forward onto the next foot, you repeat the process with the other hip. The total movement is a little like a figure 8. I will stress though, that this hip movement comes from the natural body movement and should not be forced. The more comfortable you are with the rest of the walk, the easier the hip movement will be to add.

Rumba - Style

Rumba is one of those dances that requires a lot of control though your centre and needs to be carried by the style and presentation of it more than the footwork alone. Because it is generally quite slow, especially when learning the basics, Rumba needs to utilise all the hip movement that it can and must be very conscious of the music and its impetus for movement.

Concentrating on connection with your partner and sustaining movement throughout the steps will give you the smooth and sultry style that is associated with the Rumba. Because the steps are slower, and in general, slightly less complicated than other latin dances, this is a great opportunity for you to pay close attention to the give and take connection between you and your partner. And, to make sure that each move is actually being led and not simply done because it has been taught.

Making sure that you never stop the movement of the dance - by maintaining control of your movements at all times and sustaining your hip action over the course of all the steps - will help you to feel as though you are settling into this dynamic and luxurious feeling dance. But if you allow it to get too squared off and prescribed, it can easily lose its appeal.

My strongest advice is simply to relax and enjoy it!

Rumba - Hockey Stick

Picking up where we left off last week, this move will begin from the Fan position. Ladies, this will be sightly trickier for you than the guys as you are the one doing all the changes of directions. I know you can handle that! Guys, dont forget that because your footwork is fairly straight forward, you are supposed to be leading your lady and assisting her movements - not making anything difficult for her! Make sure your leads are definitive and timed at the right moments.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

As usual, you guys have it easy. You are currently, if we are taking this from the end of the Fan that we did last week, standing with your feet apart and on a slight diagonal towards your partner. You are going to do one basic movement stepping forward on your Left foot (Count 2), replacing the weight on your Right (Count 3), and then putting your Left foot together with your right on the 4-1 count and changing the weight so that you have your Right foot free. You should do all this and accomplish a small amount of turn to get you back to facing a wall instead of a diagonal by the end. (Which makes my drawing of it look a lot more complicated than it actually is!) As you do this you need to bring your Left hand (the one that is in contact with your partner) forward and in towards your body to make your partner move forwards and by the end of this set of steps you should have your hand drawn across your face, the back of your hand towards your forehead and there should be a window created with your and your partner's arms so that you can see each other.

As you move into the next set of steps, you need to move your hand over your partner's head so that your hand is resting with hers on or near her Left shoulder. You then have another basic movement, stepping backwards this time onto your Right foot on Count 2, transferring the weight forward again onto your Left on Count 3, and then stepping forward (following your partner) on your Right foot on Count 4-1.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

You have a bit of a tricky set of steps to describe, so hopefully with the combination of the words here and the drawn steps, you will get the idea. I have numbered the steps in your diagram rather than labelled the counts as i thought that would be less confusing. So please don't do the rhythm based on the numbers on the diagram!

You are standing in fan with your Right foot extended to the side and weight on your Left. On count 2, bring your Right foot in to your Left foot, put the ball of your foot on the floor (your Right knee should be bent and crossed slightly in front of your left) and change weight so that you end up with your Right foot on the floor with a straight leg and your Left foot is now on the ball of the foot with the knee slightly bent and crossed. All of that is on count 2!

Then you have two walks forward towards your partner on counts 3 and 4-1. First your Left foot and then your Right. Your partner should lead you forward like this and bring your arm up in front of you so that there is a window between you and your partner when you reach the end of this set of steps.

He will then lead your arm over your head so that your Right hand is holding his and resting on or close to your Left shoulder. With your next two steps (Counts 2, 3), you actually make a total of a 90 degree turn and walk away from your partner. At the end of the second step (on count 3) you are wound in your own arm and can only get out of it by turning - bringing your Left shoulder back and around - on your Right foot before you then step back onto your Left foot on count 4-1.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- When you get more comfortable with the steps, you can make the leads sharper and slightly delayed - especially the final turn on count 3. But that requires both partners to be secure in their steps and paying close attention to the leads.

Rumba - Fan

Fan Position is a common staple that is used in Rumba and Cha Cha regularly. It is a natural following step from something like the Open Hip Twist that was described last week; amongst other things!

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Often this is done on the second half of a set of steps, therefore meaning that you step back on your Right foot on Count 2, replace the weight onto your Left foot on count 3, and then, in order to maintain a connection with your partner, step forward and slightly to the side on your Right foot on Count 4-1 so that you end up on a diagonal.

You should have connection with your partner through your Left arm/hand and should ensure that you actually lead her movements and dont just assume that she will do everything in the direction and at the times that you want her to. You should be familiar with her steps so that you know when she should be where.
Followers'/Lady's Footwork

For the moment, think that you have just finished your open hip twist, you are standing there with your weight on your Right foot and are facing the side. Your Right hand is in your partner's Left and it is wrapped in front of your body. This is a common place to do the fan, and though the footwork doesn't change much if you are going into it from a different step, the beginning position probably will.

Step forward on Left foot on Count 2. Take another step forward on Count 3. As you transfer your weight onto the Right foot, unwind on Count "and" to face the wall behind you and then step back onto your Left foot on Count 4-1, leaving your Right foot extended and pointed in front of you.
Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Ladies: dont walk too far away from your partner. You only have the total distance of the length of your arm combined with the length of his... and neither should EVER be completely straight. Gents: you can prevent her getting too far away by keeping your elbow in close to your waist on the first two steps.

Rumba - Open Hip Twist

A very common step in Rumba, especially in combination with the Fan and Hockey Stick, the Open Hip Twist is much what it says it is.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Starting in open position (one hand hold), with your weight on your Right foot, you will step forward onto your Left foot on count 2. Bring your weight back onto your Right foot on count 3. Place your Left foot beside your Right on Count 4 and use until the end of count 1 to transfer your weight fully onto that leg. (It is your weight transfer that will cause the Lady to do the twist part of her step... so ensure that your lead arm does not go behind your body and that you do the full weight transfer.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Starting in open position (one hand hold), with your weight on your Left foot, step back onto your Right foot (like in the basic) on count 2 and then replace your weight to the Left foot on count 3. Your partner should lead you to step forward onto your Right foot, coming towards him as he stays in the same place. The lead arm therefore becomes a lot more compact. Dont allow your elbow to get behind your body at any point. As you and your partner both settle into your hips at the end of the 4-1 count, his hip movement, will cause you to pivot on your Right leg and finish facing the wall that was to your right. You should still have connection with your partner through your Right arm, but it is also wrapped in front of your body at this point.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- The pivot at the end must not be rushed into by the follower, but also needs to be distinctly created by the Leader as he changes the weight from one foot to the other. In order to make this transition the most effective, both parties, need to be very aware of their arm placement and the connection between them.

Rumba - New York and Spot Turn

The New York and Spot Turn in Rumba are just like the New York and Spot turn in Cha Cha Cha - without the cha cha! Your forward or backward movement is still done on the 2, 3, but instead of your cha cha chasse on the 4,+,1, you simply step to the side and transfer your weight for the full 4,+,1.

New York
Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Start with your weight on your Right foot, with your left extended out to the side.

Instead of stepping straight forward "through" your partner on Count 2 as you would in a basic movement, turn your shoulders to face the wall to your Right as you bring your Left foot through and step forward in the new direction.
(You and your partner should now have stepped forward on your inside/closest legs and should both be facing the wall to your right with only your left hand holding her right at about waist height slightly in front of your body.)

Replace your weight on your Left foot and turn your shoulders back to face your partner on Count 3. (Take hold of both hands at this stage and while you are facing each other.)

Step side on your Left foot, taking the next 2 counts to transfer your weight onto your Left foot and settle into your Left hip. (Count 4-and-1)

Repeat to the other side by bringing your shoulders open to the wall to your left and stepping through on your Right foot. (Count 2)

Replace your weight onto your left foot and bring your body back to face your partner. (Count 3)

Step side onto your Right foot, transferring the weight on the 4-and-1.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start with your weight on your Left foot.
Rather than stepping back into the normal basic movement, your partner will have indicated (by lowering his left - your right hand at the end of the previous step) that you are going to step forward on your Right foot opening your shoulders to face the wall to your Left on Count 2.

Replace your weight onto your Left foot and bring your shoulders back to face your partner on Count 3.

Step side onto your Right foot, taking the full two counts to transfer your weight onto your Right foot and settle into your Right hip. (Counts 4-and-1)

When led, swing your shoulders open to face the wall to your right as you step forward on your Left foot. (Count 2)

Return to face your partner and with your weight on your Right foot on Count 3.

Move your Left foot to the side and transfer your weight onto it, allowing your weight to settle into your hip. (Counts 4-and-1)Spot Turn

Leaders'/Men's Footwork


Beginning with your weight on your Right foot, bring your Left foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Right foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Right, with your weight on your Left foot and face away from your partner,turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Left.

On Count 3, step forward onto your Right foot (which has remained where it was throughout this movement)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Left foot around with no weight.

Step side and transfer your weight (Counts 4-and-1)

Reverse by bringing your Right foot through to face the wall to your Left. (Just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Left foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Left - away from your partner -
until you face the wall that was originally to your Right. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Left foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.

Transfer your weight to the Right. (Counts 4-and-1)


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Start with your weight on your Left foot, bring your Right foot forward and through to the side wall on Count 2. (Exactly the same movement as in your New Yorker.) Make sure that you leave your Left foot connected to the floor for the rest of the turn.

Continue moving your shoulders to the Left, with your weight on your Right foot, and face away from your partner; turning all the way to face the wall that was originally to your Right. All of this turn needs to be competed in one count!

On Count 3, step forward onto your Left foot (which has not moved while you have been turning on the other foot)
and swivel the further 90 degrees to face your partner as you bring your Right foot around with no weight.
Step and then transfer your weight to your Right (Counts 4-and-1)


Reverse by bringing your Left foot through to face the wall to your Right. (Again, just like in your New Yorkers.) Leaving your Right foot where it is, continue to turn your shoulders to the Right - away from your partner - until you face the wall that was originally to your Left. Step forward on Count 3 onto your Right foot
and swivel the last 90 degrees to face your partner again.
Step, and then transfer your weight to the Left (Counts 4-and-1)

Rumba - Hand to Hand

The Hand to Hand is a step that steps backwards onto your outside foot - opening both you and your partner to one of the walls to your sides - and maintains contact through your inside arm.

To get into this step, you will need to change your hold from the standard latin hold. At the end of your basic movement (or whatever step you are doing before this one) men, slide your Right arm out from behind the lady and along her arm until you hold her hand in kissing hand hold. As a clear indication, open your Left hand to create a flat palm which you can use to give a tiny push to your partner to make her move the right direction.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Instead of stepping forward on your Left foot on the Count of 2, as you did in the Basic Movement, you re now going to step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner. (Your Left foot will 'track' underneath you - lightly move over the floor after a step onto the other foot to collect under your body ready to take the next step.)
Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.


Reverse by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be holding your partner's Right hand in your Left at waist height.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3.

On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Start by stepping backwards onto your Right foot on Count 2. (You should now be facing the wall that was to your Right when you started the movement.)

Transfer your weight back on to your Left foot and turn back to face your partner on Count 3 - tracking your foot underneath you.

On Counts 4-1, step to the side onto your Right foot.

Step backwards on your Left foot - opening up to face the wall that was to your Left - on Count 2.

On count 3, replace the weight on your Right foot and turn back to face your partner.

Step to the side on Counts 4-1 onto your Left foot.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- make sure you are holding the inside hand and stepping back with your outside foot when doing this step. Don't forget that counts 4-1 need to be filled with weight transfer and are not just 'dead' counts!

- Put Your Heels DOWN!!! Especially when stepping backwards, make sure you completely transfer the weight onto that foot and simply leave the other foot extended out in front of you ready to take the weight back when you move forward. Putting your heels down will also facilitate your latin hip movement.

Rumba - Basic

Although one of the slower Latin Dances, Rumba is one of the more difficult dances to do correctly for beginners as it requires you to fill a lot of the time without actually having anything to do with your feet!

With a lot of the steps being very similar to the Cha Cha Cha, the Rumba also starts on the 2. It will generally count "2, 3, 4-1" as the "4-1" is often one step that needs to be spread over two counts. Much like with the Cha Cha, it may be beneficial to start with your weight on the opposite foot to the one that you want to start on, and then transfer your weight on the 4-1 counts.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Step forwards on your Left foot on count 2. Replace your weight onto your Right foot on count 3 and step side onto your Left foot, taking the full two counts of 4-1 to transfer the weight over the Left leg.

Step backwards on your Right foot on count 2. Replace your weight onto your Left foot on count 3 and step side onto your Right foot, taking two counts (4-1) to transfer the weight completely over your Right leg.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Step backwards on your Right foot on count 2. Replace your weight onto your Left foot on count 3 and step side onto your Right foot, taking two counts (4-1) to transfer the weight completely over your Right leg.

Step forwards on your Left foot on count 2. Replace your weight onto your Right foot on count 3 and step side onto your Left foot, taking the full two counts of 4-1 to transfer the weight over the Left leg.