I'm new to this forum. And I'd like to hear your opinions. I've been dancing for only 5 years. I've worked very hard to perfect my latin motion and posture for the am. rumba. My new instructor has recently returned from a dance camp (with many pro dancers) and was taught a new rumba basic. It is very straight leg (almost military like) - very sharp. At my beginning, I was encouraged to feel the romance and expression of the rumba. To feel the strong movements as well as the softness. I love competitions and have no expections to go pro but I do want to score as high as I can. Is this new rumba what will be expected of a full bronze/silver dancer at any US competition? Is this the trend coming nationwide to this new style rumba? I'm disappointed this beautiful dance is changing.

[This message has been edited by Yolanda (edited 06-30-2000).]

Thank you for all your replies. I feel better about my rumba and appreciate your insights.
The dance camp in L.V. was attended by my instructor and two students. They seemed very impress with the quality of the pro coaches there and with their detailed instruction. Apprently the schedules were smooth and the sessions were very informative. I heard no complaints.

Yolanda:

I sensed a little sadness, disappointment and worry in your post about Rumba.

American style Rumba, in beginner's and intermediate level, still requires the bending of knees alternatedly. It is International style Rumba that has the legs straight and not bending knees in that fashion. However it is my believe once American style Rumba dancers reach advance level, the technique and style become just like International Rumba.

Notice that I hesitate to use Bronze, Silver and Gold level in describing things. There are fine lines to break the level down. Different organization has placed one step in silver level while the other organization would put it in Gold.

American style Rumba has its own beauty and will be here to stay. Keep your chin up and keep dancing proudly like nobody's business.

Tango2x2@aol.com

Keh Gough

Yolanda:

BTW, the dance camp you mentioned, is that the 4-day event organized by "Dance Vision" in Las Vegas? What is your instructor's overall impression?

Dave

Is that true that you have to bend your knees to make Cuban hip movement possible? And straighten your legs and upper body, chin up at the count of 4-1.(I think 4-1 is the slow count for American style but the technique should be the same.)

I am a beginner. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Jonathan:

Always enjoy your explaination and writting, nice and clear. ( Referring to the previous 2 posts on subject of Rumba ).

Regards,

Keh Gough

Thanks! Jonathan:

You comfirmed my understanding of Rumba basic.

Dave L.

For International Rumba, do you straighten your legs and NEVER bend your knees for all counts of 1 through 4? Or you try to look like straighten your legs all the time but actually bending your knees slightly without being noticed?

Can you explain the basic steps of International Rumba in terms of "straighten legs' and 'hip movement'? Thanks!

Dave L.

There seems to be a very strange misconception about Int'l Rumba among some American style dancers, and that is the idea that the legs are held straight or stiff with very little hip motion.

The truth is, both American and Int'l style Rumba use the same basic hip motion, achieved as a result of the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees. In both styles, you will have a moment where one leg is bent while the other is straight, and you will also have a moment when both legs are straight. The difference between the two styles is the timing of the straightening of the moving leg.

In Int'l style, the free bent leg will straighten in the instant before it takes weight. In American style, it will either straighten after taking weight, or as the weight is being transferred (depending on who you talk to).

Either way, you should have equal opportunity to exercise your hip action, as well as equal opportunity to stand tall and lifted. It's really only a difference of timing.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson

To answer the questions about the Rumba steps and timing:

Int'l style Rumba is the one with 2, 3, 4-1 timing, using the side-rock-step action as its basic.

American style Rumba uses SQQ timing (or QQS, depending on who you talk to), using the Rumba Box as its basic action. But actually, you can also use the side-rock-step action in American style, too, as an "alternative" basic action.

Jonathan Atkinson