The Rumba was originally a marriage dance. Many of its
movements and actions which seem to have an erotic meaning are merely depictions
of simple farm tasks. The shoeing of the mare, the climbing of a rope, the
courtship of the rooster and the hen, etc. It was done for amusement on the
farms by the black population of Cuba. However, it became a popular ballroom
dance and was introduced in the United States about 1933. It was the
Americanized version for the Cuban Son and Danzon. It is in 4/4 time. The
characteristic feature is to take each step without initially placing the weight
on that step. Steps are made with a slightly bent knee which, when straightened,
causes the hips to sway from side to side in what has come to be known as "Cuban
Motion."
