A short overview of the Rumba – followed by the explanation of the music:

Of all of the five Latin American dances, Rumba is the most romantic and emotional. When combined with good Rumba music, the true story is told. Although much time is spent apart from your partner, through the use of the different holds, leads, eyes, and body actions. there must always be a strong connection.

Good rumba music will give you a background rhythm of 8 separate and individual beats, all of these are used to tell the story. Throughout this course, you will fully learn, and understand the importance of these 8 beats and their uses.

When you fully understand why Rumba is known as a “body”. You will be so appreciative of the true authentic actions.

“Without music, there is no dance”

Music is a vital element that brings dancing to life. As a future teacher, you will have the pleasure and responsibility of introducing music and movement to your pupils.

Time Signature:

The time signature appears at the beginning of a piece of music and it looks like a fraction¹.

Time signature for Rumba is 4/4.

The top number shows that there are four beats in every bar of music.

The lower number is the musical value, in this case, the musical term for the value is a “crotchet” and it represents a 1/4 beat (this is all the musical information you will require for this Associate level examinations).

Accented Beats:

In every bar of music one or more beats are accented², this gives music a clear rhythm.

The accented beat or beats are very important, they occur in every bar of music.

In Rumba the accented beats are 2 and 4, the 4th beat being stronger.

When dancing, you should interpret these accented beats by giving your foot placement more impact³.

When dancing to music, you should always start with a preparatory step on beats 4 1.

Tempo:

Tempo is the speed at which a piece of music is played. It is calculated in bars per minute. The greater the number of bars per minute, the faster a piece of music is played.

The correct tempo for Rumba is 25 to 27 bars per minute.

Rhythm:

The regular occurrence or recurrence of an accented beat or beats in a bar of music.

¹ Fraction – A mathematical term, it is a part of a whole number, for example, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4.

² Accent – A beat or beats of music that has a stronger sound, this regular accent gives the music its rhythm.

³ Impact – Dancing a step using a slightly stronger foot action.