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Rumba: Basic Sequence

The first basic sequence.

Basic Movement:
0. This basic movement is common for both the man and the lady.
1. Commence with feet comfortably apart and weight on the Right foot.
2. For the count 1, remain in this position. The hip may be shifted slightly more to the right side.
3. For the count of 2, step forward on to the Left foot, keeping the Right toes in place.
4. For the count of 3, step back in place on to the Right foot, retaining the Left toes in place, which is in forward position.
5. For the count 4, step to the side with the Left foot, retaining the Right toes in place. When moving the Left foot from the forward position to the side position, it is brought back towards the Right foot and then curved to the side.
Thus as a general rule the moving-foot always passes from near/close to the stationary-foot when moving from one position to the other.
6. For the count of 1, remain put in this position with no feet movement. The hip can be relaxed further to the left side.
7. For the count 2, step backward with the Right foot, keeping the Left toes in place.
8. For the count 3, transfer the body weight on to the Left foot, keeping the Right toes in place, which is at the back.
9. For the count 4, step to the right side with the Right foot, retaining the Left toes in place.
10. For the count of 1, stay in the same position, with maybe the hip swing slightly more to the right side.

Rock Action:
The movement performed for the counts 2, and 3, are rocking movements. It is the stepping in one direction for a count of the music, and then stepping in the opposite direction for the next count. Thus the position of the feet taken for the count 2, remains the same also for the count 3, only the body weight is shifted from foot to foot.

Forward Half of Basic:
Serial no. 2 to 6 is the forward half or the basic, since the Left foot is moved forward for the cont 2. Thus the Forward rock is performed in this basic.

Backward Half of Basic:
Serial No. 6 to 10 constitutes the backward half of the basic since here the Right foot moves back for the count of 2. Here the backward Rock is performed.

Dancing in Pairs:
When man is dancing the Forward basic the lady is simultaneously dancing the Backward Basic.
Hold: Closed hold/normal hold or hold each other by both the hands as given earlier.

Turns:
Practise the steps alone and then in pairs with a dancing partner.

Once you are confident then add the turns. Turn gently to the left at approximately 45 degrees or 1/8 turn when performing either of the half basic. There fore turn left when dancing the forward half and again turn to the left when dancing the backward half of the basic.

Note: It is very important to understand that these turns are with respect to ones self. So DO NOT attempt to understand it with the movement of the HANDS. Before the commencement of the figure decide the turn, and face in that direction, remembering to turn gradually over the three steps to end facing in the decided-direction. It is more convenient to turn when going for the step side step for the counts 4, 1. These turns should be achieved without the sacrifice of the basic figure. Also note that the turns are between the counts. 

Stepping:
1. The hip should move naturally and gently from side to side mainly due to the pattern of feet movement and never because of conscious swinging effort.
2. At no time should the toes of either foot leave the floor.
3. All steps are taken on the ball of the foot, and then the heel is lowered with pressure.  This action is also similar to stubbing off a cigarette with the foot.
4. Thus move the moving-foot into new position with only the ball of the foot touching the floor.
5. The stationary-foot remains flat with the knees firm.
6. Next move the body weight over and on to the ball of the moving-foot; in this process the knee of the stationary foot still remains firm, but the knee of the moving foot may need to be flexed a little more.
7. Once the body is firmly over the moving-foot then and then only, lower the heel of the moving-foot and simultaneously release the heel of the stationary-foot.
8. In this process the knee of the moving-foot begins to straighten and the knee of the stationary-foot begin to flex/relax.
9. Relax the hip every time the body weight is completely transferred on to a flat foot.
10. For more details on see Cuban Action, Information from other sources, and Cuban Action…More. Use the “Back” button on your browser to come back to this page.
11. Also see the Basic Movement under Rumba Master: Use the “Back” button on your browser to come back to this page.