Rumba, also known as ballroom Rumba, is danced both socially and in international competitions. It is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin dances, alongside the Paso Doble, Samba, Cha Cha, and Jive. Ballroom Rumba traces its roots to the Bolero-Son, a Cuban rhythm and dance. The international style grew from studies of dance in pre-revolutionary Cuba, where it had been popularized by the descendants of African slaves. Its alluring rhythm reached the United States in the early 1930s, and it has been a favorite on social dance floors ever since. The Rumba is defined by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step.

Three styles of Rumba were introduced in the United States: the Bolero-Rumba, the Son-Rumba, and the Guaracha-Rumba. Of these, only the Bolero-Rumba, now known simply as Bolero, and the Son-Rumba, now called Rumba, have stood the test of time. The Guaracha-Rumba faded quickly after the more exciting Mambo reached American dancers in the late 1940s. Because its steps are compact, the Rumba is danced largely in one place. It doesn’t use the constant body contact of smooth-style dances, yet moments of closer contact can make a partnership look and feel more appealing. Above all, the Rumba is recognized by its smooth, subtle hip movement, a quality every rumba dance instructor helps students refine.