Hello fellow dancers! This week we’re going to learn the Rumba, but after the Rumba I’d like to hear from you what you’d rather me go over: either the Cha Cha or Swing? It’s up to you! Just post your vote along with any questions you might have about this week’s dance in the comments section related to this post!

Ok, back to business. First thing first, you’ll need to take you partner in goo frame. Rumba’s frame is very similar to the 2-Step, but now you’ll both be in line with each other and it’s good to have more space in between you and your partner because you’ll be leaning slightly into each other to feel each other’s weight. You want to make your arms more round (as if you’re dancing around a table top). With the arms that are clasping hands, make sure your elbows are pointing straight down to the floor and create a small triangle shape together (this helps you feel the other person’s weight more throughout the dance).

Now for the basic step: Ladies extend your left foot to the side and point your toes, men extend their right leg. Now transfer your weight to the opposite leg. Ladies, you’ll draw your right leg in (bent) to your straight left leg and step back solidly on your right leg (now straight) so your left leg is now extended out in front of you. Men simultaneously, you’ll draw your left leg (bent) into your straight right leg then step solidly forward on that left leg so all of your weight should be on that front leg. Now ladies, step onto the left leg and draw your right leg towards your left then step to the side, putting all your weight on that right leg. Your left leg should be pointed and extended out to the side of you. You’ll pause here showing of your extended leg, and imagine you have a penny under your big toe and you need to bring it toward you. So slowly draw that left leg (bent) over to your straight right leg. Men do the same, but stepping backwards and using the opposite feet. So now men should be standing with their weight on their left leg and have their right leg bent next to the left. Ladies (in the mirror opposite of the men) take a step forward on your left leg putting all your weight on it so your right foot’s back heal is up. Men step backward, all your weight on your right now. Men step solidly on your left, transferring your weight forward and draw you right leg (bent) toward your straight left leg, then step to the right transferring all your weight there. Ladies, do the opposite steps matching his. Now, repeat! I know this might be really confusing with all this text, so follow this link to see a short video recap of the basic.

To switch things up a bit, you may want to turn your lady, so men raise your left hand and switch from clasped hand to flat hands (the girl’s hands should be slightly higher so that the guy is mostly holding her palm). Ladies step under his arm on your left foot, men press slightly on her palm to help her turn quickly 180 degrees (ladies switching weight to their right foot). Then step to the left on your left foot, so you’re facing your man again. Draw your extended right leg (bent) back to your straight left leg and you’re ready to start the basic again. As you do this last step draw a circle in the air with your right arm to put your hand back above the guy’s bicep and men do the same till you’ve put your arm back up close to her left shoulder blade. Click here to see a quick video of how this would look!

Have fun dancing the Rumba and don’t forget to vote for the next dance you want to see! Next week, I’ll give you a few more moves to spice up this great Latin dance!