Begin by listening to rumba music. There are two types of rumba music and two dance styles. American Rhythm is a style with medium tempo music, but it is the faster one of the two styles, with a 4/4 meter and 128 to 144 beats every minute, with the basic rhythm of slow-quick-quick-slow. On the other hand, International Style rumba plays slow Latin ballads, has a 4/4 meter with 104 beats per minute and a basic rhythm of 2-3-4-(1)-2-3-4-(1), where the major emphasis is on the "1" beat. American Rhythm is danced both socially and competitively in the United States. It's typically the dance that is taught to beginners because of its basic steps and rhythm. Below, we will be discussing how to learn American Rhythm rumba.
To dance the basic rumba steps, we will discuss how to dance the lead's role. The follower's role will later fall into place. These steps make the shape of a box, hence the name "box step." On the slow beat, step forward with your left foot. On the quick beat, move to the right side and forward with your right foot. On the second quick beat, bring your left foot to close with your right. On the slow beat, step back with your right foot. On the quick beat, step to the left with your left foot. On the next quick beat, close your left foot with your right, then repeat the entire sequence. If you're the follower, step in front of the lead and enter closed position. The follower steps back when the lead steps forward and basically mirrors what the lead does. Watch the videos in the Resources section below as an example of the basic rumba.
Instruction is an important part of ballroom dance, and is an absolute must if you want to refine your technique. If you're on a budget, consider group classes to learn more rumba, since private lessons tend to be expensive. Visit the link found in Resources below for a directory of ballroom dance studios around the United States.