Rumba Basic and Advanced Routine with Aida

latin routine rumba timing & music

The short answer: this lesson gives you two Rumba routines in one video. The basic routine uses Closed Basic Movements, Hand to Hand, an Aida, a LF Cuban Rock with a half turn and Progressive Forward Walks, ending in Fan Position. The advanced routine starts in Open Position and adds a Back Basic, Swivel, Spiral Turn, Syncopated Aida, Cucarachas and an Open Hip Twist to Fan. Both routines are counted 2, 3, 4, 1.

What is in this Rumba lesson?

Two routines, danced with Madeline. For each one you see the routine danced in full, then every figure named, then the timing counted. Rumba takes a lot of skill and a lot of practice, so go through these routines with a fine-tooth comb, or with your coach.

How do you count these Rumba routines?

2, 3, 4, 1, with each figure starting on beat 2. In the advanced routine you prepare your body on 4, 1 from Open Position, then start on 2. I count both routines out loud in the video so you can dance along on time.

What steps are in the basic Rumba routine?

Closed Basic Movement: start in Closed Position and repeat it as many times as you like.
3 Hand to Hands: the man opens the lady out.
Aida: to finish the last Hand to Hand.
LF Cuban Rock: with a half turn at the end into the walks.
Progressive Forward Walks: on the last one, the man changes hand hold and leads the lady across as he checks back.
End in Fan Position

What steps are in the advanced Rumba routine?

Preparation step from Open Position
Back Basic
Swivel
Spiral Turn: hold it to create the Syncopated Aida.
Syncopated Aida
LF Cucaracha
RF Cucaracha
Open Hip Twist to Fan

Common mistakes

Starting figures on beat 1. In these routines each figure starts on 2.
Rushing out of the Spiral Turn. Hold it, so you can create the Syncopated Aida.
Skipping the hand hold change on the last Progressive Walk, so the lady isn't led across into Fan Position.
Racing through the advanced routine. Rumba takes a lot of skill and practice, so work through it carefully.

Try this in your next practice

Dance the basic routine along with the timing section of the video, counting 2, 3, 4, 1 out loud. When every figure starts on 2 without thinking, go through the advanced routine one figure at a time, ideally with your coach.

Frequently asked questions

How do you count Rumba?

2, 3, 4, 1, with each figure starting on beat 2. I count both routines out loud in the video.

How fast is Rumba music?

WDSF competition rules set Rumba at 25 to 27 bars a minute.

Is this Rumba routine good for beginners?

The basic routine uses beginner figures like the Closed Basic Movement, Hand to Hand and Cuban Rock. Go through the advanced routine carefully, or with a coach.

How does the basic Rumba routine end?

In Fan Position. On the last Progressive Forward Walk, the man changes hand hold and leads the lady across as he checks back.

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Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.

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