Rumba Syllabus for February 2005 Class
taught by David DuVal 

Step List:

1. Basic Box Step
2. Fifth Position Breaks
1. starts with Forward, Side, Together, Side
2. Rock, Step, Side
3. Rock, Step, Side
4. Rock, Step, Forward (starts a new basic)
3. Underarm Turn
1. Man does basic throughout but turns ¼ turn on 3 (see below)
2. If counted 1QQ2QQ3QQ4, the man raises the hand on 2, steps forward on left foot as he turns a quarter turn on 3, and receives the lady on 4
3. Lady does 3 Forward Walks on QQ3
4. Cross Body Lead
1. If counted 1QQ2QQ3QQ4QQ, man steps back and slightly side with his right foot on 2 so the lady can pass on the following QQ, and then begins a new basic on 3
2. Lady’s footwork in Back, Side, Together, Forward, Forward, Forward (and turn ½ turn to left), Back (1QQ2QQ3)
5. Cross Over Breaks
1. Starts with Forward, Side, Together, Side (lady is Back, Side Together, Side)
2. 3 Crossover Breaks
3. Underarm Turn
4. Fifth Position Break Ending

Some good combinations:

1. Underarm Turn to Fifth Position Breaks (make QQ4 of Underarm Turn Side, Together, Side)
2. Underarm Turn to Crossover Breaks (see combo 1)
3. Cross Body Lead to Underarm Turn (man raises hand on 4)
4. Cross Body Lead to Crossover Breaks
5. Cross Body Lead to Fifth Position Breaks
6. Cross Body Lead times 2

Tips for better Rumba Technique:

1. Keep a good posture (including keeping your head up and aligned over your spine)
2. Be sure to hold the slows
3. Dance with toes slightly turned out
4. The frame is more compact, not big like Ballroom dances
5. More distance between partners than in Ballroom where there is body contact
6. When starting, you should be aligned with your partner (there is no offset)
7. Don’t forget to smile. J

If you would like to take more lessons from me, I hope you will call and schedule it with Atlanta Dance. I teach both group and private lessons there. The number is (770) 973-5191.