Rumba is a dance incorporating both Latin and African elements; the dance itself originated in Cuba, which is known for its mix of these two cultural influences. Ballroom dance is classified into two basic groups: standard and Latin; the rumba falls into the “Latin” category. Whereas other Latin dances such as the cha-cha or the paso doble are about sexual attraction and passion, the rumba is the dance of love.
Any amateur ballroom dance competition groups couples into levels. The lowest level is newcomer, followed by bronze, silver, gold and gold star. Each level contains a syllabus with the steps and combinations that dancers are allowed to perform at that level. These syllabi are cumulative: a bronze dancer may perform both the bronze and newcomer syllabi. A silver dancer, thus may perform anything from newcomer through silver syllabi. Some competitions may refer to “Gold Star” as “Novice” or “Open.”
Rumba lessons begin with the rumba basic step and simple patterns in closed position. By the time a couple reaches Gold Star level, that couple has learned most of the advanced patterns in rumba and done much open rumba choreography. At this point, proper technique becomes crucial, as Gold Star dancers are often on the cusp of turning professional. At this point, dancers are comfortable dancing with partners and coordinating both dancers’ dance space, but Gold Star level dancers concentrate on proper weight shifts for each step and proper body positioning between couples at each point in their dance. On a competition floor, there is no syllabus at the Gold Star level; dancers at this level may choreograph whatever rumba they like.
Remember that the rumba is supposed to be the dance of love. Thus, you and your partner are likely to do a lot of combinations that consist of leading and following motions. This may apply in closed position, but it also applies in open position, where dancers are either dancing side-by-side or facing each other, connected through one hand or not at all. Performing steps accurately is not enough; dancers must act as if they are in love. This includes passion in movement, as well as consistent and unbroken eye contact.