Rumba is originally from Cuba.
Rumba is known as a musical rhythm and a type of dance that is traditional from Cuba and whose roots are African. History indicates that rumba emerged on Cuban soil during the colonial era, being promoted by the black population.
The rumba began to develop around the sugar mills. The music was produced with drums and other percussion instruments, accompanied by a characteristic dance and songs.
Types of rumba
This style of dance is divided into three types: the guaguancó , the rumba of Havana; the columbia and the yambú , in Matanzas.
Regarding the specific instruments, rumba uses three drums called tumbadoras or congas , which originate from Cuba and differ from the African drum in that it has keys. The tumbadoras are organized into two groups: two of them, which are called the prima and the second , serve to set the basic rhythm; The other, which is known as the fifth , must have a higher pitch and is used to produce flourishes for the dancers and improvised hits.
Rumba is a musical genre and a type of dance.
dance style
The dance technique varies according to the style of each performer. The guaguancó, for example, should be danced with the legs semi-flexed, the back slightly inclined downward and alternating the movement of the arms and legs to achieve a flow that seems natural, as much as that seen when walking. The basic objective is to achieve this alternation of sides: when advancing the left foot it must be done with a movement of the right arm, and vice versa.
As with most dance styles, the fundamental step of the rumba guaguancó presents certain differences between the execution of the man and the woman; The first should focus on a movement of the pelvis, while the woman should swing her hips as if drawing an "8" in the air. It is worth mentioning that this is often incorrectly called the “springing technique.”
The columbia shares the basics with the guaguancó, and differs mainly in that the body position must be more upright. In addition, this type of rumba is more elegant and technically challenging , with a set of rhythms that generates greater variety. The yambú, for its part, is the most "static" of the three.
The rumba today
At the beginning of the 20th century , rumba became popular in Cuban bars, adding other musical instruments to its performance. Over the years it reached the United States and Europe , becoming associated with festive environments and celebrations.
Currently, the rumba is characterized by its partner dance, with the dancers highlighting the movements of the pelvis and hips. Its rhythm is carried out in half a measure of 4 x 4.
Mergers
Due to its expansion, new types of rumba can be recognized today. Flamenco rumba , for example , emerged from the combination between Cuban rumba and Spanish flamenco. It is performed with guitar, castanets, cajon and clapping.
Also in Spain, the Catalan rumba emerged, with elements of Cuban rumba, flamenco rumba and rock . In this case, rumba music usually includes bass, piano and wind instruments.
Go out partying
This term is also found in the expression "salir de rumba" , which in Latin America refers to night outings in search of fun, generally with other people, to carry out activities such as going dancing and spending a few hours with friends drinking alcohol. and enjoying the last - or first - hours of the day.
In Spain , on the other hand, the use of the expression "going out" is more common, while in other countries it is also said "going out to party" or "de parranda" .
A brand of cookies
In Argentina , finally, Rumba is the name of a brand of chocolate cookies, manufactured by Bagley .
These are cookies with chocolate lids and cream filling. These Rumba cookies are very popular in Argentine territory.