Encyclopedia of Dance: Rumba. Rumba Dance International Rumba Movement

Rumba is a dance that causes an emotional outburst, it combines insane passion and mind control, the fire element rages in it, and it is opposed by cold determination, all this is just a small list of emotions that arise in the soul of any person familiar with this energetic dance.

Rumba is first mentioned in early XIX century. The mixture of percussive rhythms, dances and songs was born in Cuba. He is of African descent. However, this ritual dance, who came from Africa, has undergone many changes, but most importantly, the “soul of dance” has remained the same. Wild, smooth, erotic movements became more and more popular, they fascinated the viewer. "Rumba" was considered the dance of love. After all, only in this dance are combined smooth movements and dramatic music, and all this gives a unique aesthetic effect. Many believed that the dance was an expression of erotic feelings, but in fact the rumba was wedding dance and his movements symbolized the family responsibilities of husband and wife. The very first and rather serious attempt to introduce "Rumba" to the masses was made in 1913 in the USA. But, unfortunately, she, like all subsequent ones, failed. It wasn't until 1929 that people got a real interest in Latin music. However, the dance also underwent changes, the so-called American rumba appeared, it was distinguished by more restrained movements and style. It was this dance that spread throughout the world. In Europe, "Rumba" came only after the end of the Second World War. There, the dance rapidly gained popularity and attracted more and more fans. The brightest and most emotional dances are presented in the Latin American and European programs. There are five dances in the Latin American program, and the dance about uneasy love, so loved by many and has become very popular today. The unique African rhythm, instincts coming from antiquity and a real spiritual impulse - all this makes the hearts of fans beat in unison for many years. The most famous tune for "Rumba" written by Joséit Fernandez and called "Guantanamera", it became a rumba classic. Several modern melodies are written in major, they are certainly original in their own way, but do not leave such a deep impression.

Today, the Rumba dance has undergone changes, it has been standardized, made more categorical and strict. Dance is officially considered to be cultural heritage Cuban people.

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One of them refers to the direction of dance and music, born in Cuba. The most famous of these is the rumba Guaguanco. Rumba Yambu and rumba Columbia are also popular. Each of these types of rumba has its own style of music and dance, but in general they are very close.

Another meaning appeared relatively recently and refers to the dance from the program ballroom dancing included in the competition program. In this sense, the rumba is the slowest of the five dances of the competitive Latin American program (the other four are paso doble, samba, cha-cha-cha and jive). The dance and music of rumba from the competitive program of Latin American dances come from Cuban musical styles and bolero dances and sleep.

Rumba style

Rumba and cha-cha-cha

Initially, there was no clear division between rumba danson and cha-cha-cha dances, which is why all music, characteristically which beat the first beat (several beats out of the beat, leading to the first beat), fell under the category of rumba. Over time, the dances were clearly divided. The music of the rumba danson acquired a slower pace, began to compose, as a rule, in a minor mode, and acquired its beat on the first beat (drums: eighth, eighth, eighth, quarter - first beat). Cha-cha-cha music has become faster, is composed both in major and minor modes and has its own, very pronounced and emphasized playing of the first beat (eighth, eighth, quarter - first beat, the so-called "cha-cha-cha" or "cha-cha-time").

In this regard, many of the famous rumba in the past, from a modern point of view, should be considered rather cha-cha-cha or even cannot be clearly classified as one of these dances at all. So, for example, the famous melody "Cucaracha", which was considered a rumba, is neither it nor cha-cha-cha from a modern point of view. Guantanamera is better known for the cha-cha-cha rather than the rumba.

Thus, the rumba owes its birth to religious rituals, it developed on the basis of pronounced rhythms and choral voices. You can also say that to some extent all the dances that were created by the Cubans are rumba.

Currently, this dance is known on all continents. First he came to the cabaret, and then to television. There is a ballroom rumba, but it differs significantly from the authentic Cuban version.

Rumba types

At the beginning of the 19th century, there were three versions of the rumba in Cuba, but the Guaguanco rumba, a dance during which the gentleman follows the lady in search of hip contact, and the lady tries to avoid it, became widely known. In this dance, the lady is, as it were, the object of impudent courtship and tries to restrain the passion of her partner. Perhaps because of this, the name “dance of love” stuck behind the rumba.

Also in Cuba there were different kinds rumbas, which were danced at holidays and just gatherings of people on the street. bright representative is Rumba Mimetika, which depicts various scenes from the life ordinary people(Papilote, Mama "buela, Gavilan)

Rumba underwent a radical evolution when it was exported to the USA. Along with the expansive, erotic Cuban, American Rumba appeared - with more restrained movements and style. It was this version of the rumba that spread throughout the world, winning the hearts of several generations of dancers and connoisseurs of Latin American culture. Guaguanco mostly consists of rhythms African drums, which are superimposed on the clave rhythm, which represents a shifted accent known as 3-2. Singing without musical accompaniment resembles old Spanish melodies that are superimposed on the rhythms of African drums. Guaguanco is performed by one or more soloists, the theme and words are invented in the course of the song. The structure of the guaguanco rhythm is most often based on the Rumba Son rhythm.

Rumba in academic music

Rumba was used in some works by composers of the 20th century, for example, in D. Millau's ballet Creation of the World (1923) and in the finale of his Second Piano Concerto.

The emotional content of the dance

Among all ballroom dances, rumba is characterized by the deepest emotional content. In the course of its evolution, the rumba acquired many of the features characteristic of the blues. There is a common cliché that "Rumba is the dance of love." The contrast of the pronounced erotic character dance and dramatic content of music creates a unique aesthetic effect. Contrary to the general opinion that the movements in the rumba are the dance embodiment of erotic feelings, the rumba was originally a wedding dance, and its movements meant nothing more than the family duties of the spouses. The few modern rumbas written in C major have their own flavor, but do not leave such a deep impression.

It is necessary to distinguish between ballroom, Cuban, African and gypsy rumba.

Although these dances have common roots, on this moment they are completely different both in the nature of the movements and in the music.

ballroom rumba

Rumba - doubles cuban dance African origin. Distinctive feature rumba are erotic flowing movements combined with wide steps. The most famous rumba melody all over the world must be considered the famous "Guantanamera", written by Joséito Fernandez and quickly becoming a rumba classic.

History of Rumba

Rumba appeared in Havana in the 19th century in combination with the European Contradanza. The name "Rumba" possibly comes from the name dance groups in 1807 - “rumbosoorquestra”, although in Spain the word “rumbo” means “way” (in Russian, the marine analogue is “rumba”, that is, direction). Note - Russian maritime terminology is neatly borrowed from the Netherlands, so the "direction" is obviously not in Russian, but in Dutch it is not.

Rumba and cha-cha-cha

Initially, there was no clear separation between the rumba and cha-cha-cha dances, which is why all music that characteristically beat the first beat (a few beats from the beat leading to the first beat) fell under the category of rumba. Over time, the dances were clearly divided. Rumba music acquired a slower tempo, began to be composed, as a rule, in a minor mode, and acquired its beat on the first beat (drums: eighth, eighth, eighth, quarter - first beat). Cha-cha-cha music has become faster, is composed both in major and minor modes and has its own, very pronounced and emphasized playing of the first beat (eighth, eighth, quarter - first beat, the so-called "cha-cha-cha" or "cha-cha-time").

In this regard, many of the famous rumba in the past, from a modern point of view, should be considered rather cha-cha-cha or even cannot be clearly classified as one of these dances at all. So, for example, the famous melody "Cucaracha", which was considered a rumba, is neither it nor cha-cha-cha from a modern point of view. Guantanamera is better known for the cha-cha-cha rather than the rumba.

Thus, the rumba owes its birth to religious rituals, it developed on the basis of pronounced rhythms and choral voices. You can also say that to some extent all the dances that were created by the Cubans are rumba.

Currently, this dance is known on all continents. First he came to the cabaret, and then to television. There is a ballroom rumba, but it differs significantly from the authentic Cuban version.

Types of Rumba

At the beginning of the 19th century, there were three variants of Rumba in Cuba, but rumba Guaguanco(Guaguanco), a dance during which the gentleman follows the lady in search of hip contact, and the lady tries to avoid it. In this dance, the lady is, as it were, the object of impudent courtship and tries to restrain the passion of her partner. Perhaps because of this, Rumba was given the name “dance of love”.

Rumba has undergone a radical evolution, being exported to the United States.

Along with the expansive, erotic Cuban, American Rumba appeared - with more restrained movements and style. It was this version of Rumba that spread throughout the world, winning the hearts of several generations of dancers and connoisseurs of Latin American culture.

Guaguanco mainly consists of African drum rhythms, which are overlaid with a clave rhythm representing a shifted accent known as 2-3. Singing without musical accompaniment resembles old Spanish melodies that are superimposed on the rhythms of African drums. Performed by Guaguanco by one or more soloists, the theme and words are invented in the course of the song. The structure of the Guaguanco rhythm is most often based on the Rumba Son rhythm.

The emotional content of the dance

Among all ballroom dances, rumba is characterized by the deepest emotional content. In the course of its evolution, the rumba acquired many of the features characteristic of the blues. There is a common cliché that "Rumba is the dance of love." The contrast of the pronounced erotic nature of the dance and the dramatic content of the music creates a unique aesthetic effect. Contrary to the general opinion that the movements in the rumba are the dance embodiment of erotic feelings, the rumba was originally a wedding dance, and its movements meant nothing more than the family duties of the spouses. The few modern rumbas written in major have their own flavor, but do not leave such a deep impression.

Rumba appeared in Cuba in the 19th century. Like many Latin dances, rumba was the result of mixing with European country dance. It is possible that the name of the dance comes from the name of the dance orchestras - "rumboso orquestra". "Rumbo" in Spanish translates as "path", and the word "rumba" - "small pile". Either of the two words could be used to describe the dance. Dance music has two sources - Spanish motives and African rhythms. Although the choreography of the dance is Cuban, however, some movements were born on other islands of the Caribbean.

Initially, rumba is a pantomime that speaks of the relationship between a man and a woman. Sung at a fast pace with characteristic erotic hip movements, she told us a love story. The rhythmic pattern was usually set by such musical instruments like maracas, claves, maribola, and drums. The village dance form in Cuba itself is reminiscent of animal mating dances and looks more like a performance than a dance. The movements of the shoulders and sides in the dance are an imitation of the walking of slaves with a heavy load in their hands. The movement of the "cucaracha" imitated the crushing of insects. Turns in the dance were performed daringly around the rim of the cart wheel!

The rumba version, which is still danced in the United States to this day, appeared in the States in the 1930s. It has incorporated elements of the rural Cuban rumba from the guaracha and the Cuban bolero. A little later, dance movements “son” and “danson” were added to it. "Sleep" is a dance of the middle stratum of Cuban society, and the dance "Danson" is a dance of the wealthy class. The first one was slower than the Cuban rumba and the movements were more decent. The second one is even slower, because of the small steps, the ladies almost did not work their hips, but they carefully worked out the movement of their legs, showing their harmony and length.

The first major attempt to make rumba popular in the United States was in 1913. Ten years later, Emil Coleman specially invited dancers and musicians who know and play rumba well. And in 1925 a club was opened where one could listen and dance the rumba.

Rumba came to Europe thanks to the efforts and enthusiasm of the famous English teacher dancing by Pierre Lavelle. It turned out that rumba in Cuba is performed with an emphasis on the second beat, and not on the first, as in the American rumba. This version of the technique with the names basic shapes received in Havana in 1947. he began teaching in London. Pierre and his wife Doris began to perform a lot with demonstration lessons and rumba performances in England.

Pierre Lavelle showed the real "Cuban Rumba", which, despite heated debate and controversy, was recognized and standardized in 1955.

In modern rumba there are figures in which there is a desire of a woman to prevail over a man with the help of charm. During the dance, there is always a moment when the lady “teases” the gentleman and then runs away. To the passionate movements of his partner, the man with his movements shows the desire to possess her, tries to prove his leadership.

Rumba attracts attention with original movements filled with flirtation and passion. But did the unbridled emotions of two lovers really form the basis of this dance? The history of style hides in itself interesting moments which we offer to learn about right now.

What is rumba distinctive features dance

Rumba is a multicultural phenomenon. Speaking on modern language, this is a separate subculture like dudes, hippies, etc. This is a conversation about the unity of music and dance, while the melody sets the rhythm for the dancers.

For those who are barely familiar with it dance style, one might get the impression that this is a dance of love and passion. But it's not. A real Cuban rumba is a celebration, joy and desire to enjoy life. The lyrics of the songs revolve around two themes: politics and social order. There is little love here, but a lot of energetic movements and a frantic rhythm set by African drums.

Where did the distorted perception of dance come from then? Thanks to the assignment of international status to the style. The ballroom rumba is distinguished by a calmer, more romantic musical accompaniment, as well as more graceful choreography. Watching the flirting of the dancers on the stage, one involuntarily has a feeling of sadness and longing for the departed love.

But the features of the rumba do not end there. The Cuban direction is divided into three types, each of which is endowed with specific features.

Guaguanco is the most common rumba. It resembles flirting between two partners. At the same time, the man tries to touch his partner with a handkerchief, and she effectively defends herself by performing beautiful movements hips.

Yambu is the oldest rumba, where the flirting of a partner with his partner also comes to the fore. But everything flows much softer and not as bold as in guaguanco.

Colombia. Unlike previous varieties, this rumba originated in rural Cuba. The style stands out for its fast pace, energy and the obligatory presence of a male dancer-soloist.

AT in general terms rumba is:

pair dance;

spectacular movements of the hips, body and arms;

the special atmosphere of the tropics, conducive to relaxation and bliss on the ocean.

Rumba history

Cuba is considered the birthplace of this dance genre. Under the hot rays of the sun, scorching the island of Freedom, a rumba appeared, which was destined to win the hearts of millions around the world.

It all started in the 60s XIX years century, when streams of blacks, freed from slavery, poured from the eastern outskirts of Cuba into large cities: Havana and Matanzas. Thousands of Africans, brought to the lands of Liberty Island two centuries earlier, began to spread their culture among the local population. Former slaves settled in the working-class neighborhoods in the neighborhood with immigrants from Europe and filled the life around with African rhythms and dances.

It is noteworthy that the rumba is based not just on African traditions, but on the culture of individual peoples of Africa. To be more precise, these are the Bantu tribes. It was they who settled Havana and became the progenitors of the dance. Interestingly, Bantu dances are secular, that is, they were performed at various holidays. Ritual roots can be traced in them, but they are not fundamental.

Europeans, most which were the Spaniards, and Africans - two cultures, at the junction of which the birth of the rumba took place. Inherited style from the Spaniards poetic size and the vocal manner of performing songs, from the Africans - drum sound and energy.

The abolition of slavery in Cuba did not mean the onset of a quiet life for the Negroes. Hard work hasn't gone away, and neither has discrimination. Unlike the United States, the life of the black population on Liberty Island was easier: Africans were endowed with the rights of whites. But at the same time, they were forbidden to hold the position of an engineer or a doctor, and also ... to play national instruments- drums. If the police saw musicians playing tumbadors or cajons in crowded places, they immediately confiscated them.

It is impossible to force people filled with rumba rhythms to live without music and dances. Witty Cubans came up with the idea to perform "rumba de bemba" on the lips. In fact, they made sounds with the help of their mouths and lips, driving the authorities into confusion. So, the style continued to live at the beginning of the 20th century.

In the 50s, the performance of rumba could only be seen in urban solares. They were living quarters that surrounded courtyards. Also, the energy of the dance accompanied the workers at the sugar processing factories and in local taverns. These places usually gathered people who knew each other well. Therefore, they gave themselves up to music and dance with pleasure in order to forget about the hard everyday life.

It turns out that rumba was originally a genre inherent in the poor sections of the population of Cuba. But around 1952, the style begins to come out of the "underground", from the backyards of Solares to theater scenes. His appearance among intellectuals is associated with a group of friends who decided to form a rumba ensemble "Guaguanco Matancero". The inspiration for them was the rumba recordings that accompanied the gatherings of the local population in the tavern "Rooster".

The newly minted team began to actively perform at various holidays, participate in various television programs and radio broadcasts. After 2 years, Guaguanco Matansero released their first record with the recording of "Dolls" ("Los Muñequitos"), which became a national hit and is still perceived as characteristic style rumba, born in the province of Matanzas.

Closer to the 60s, the government of Cuba "takes up" the rumba. Style becomes politicized. The Ministry of Culture begins to create organizations dedicated to teaching dance, to take part in the development of "folk" and professional dancers, and to actively promote the style at various events.

What caused such interest from the ruling ranks? Desire to change the values ​​of the people. After all, the history of rumba is primarily the history of dark-skinned Cubans. If the government is loyal to this dance, then all racial prejudice is a thing of the past. The politicization of the rumba is an attempt to change social prejudice.

What's going on with rumba today? The dance hasn't disappeared. Moreover, the direction is included in the program of Latin American ballroom dancing, along with samba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble and jive.

Outside Cuba

In the US, talk of rumba among the population was heard as early as 1914. But no one was particularly enthusiastic about the dance. It took about 20 years for the style to take on a new form called "American Rumba". A kind of rebirth of the genre occurred under the influence of jazz - the choreography was filled with more simple figures and a clear rhythm of steps.

Europeans owe the appearance of the rumba in their homeland to the dance teacher Pierre Lavelle. Traveling around Cuba, he was so inspired dance culture countries that could not leave her without the attention of his students in London. The style caused heated debate among the prim English, but this did not stop it from being standardized in 1955. By the way, in addition to rumba, Lavell enriched the culture of the Old World and cha-cha-cha.

Interesting Facts

The main instruments that are used to perform rumba are tumbadors, clave and cajon. All of them are percussion. But for Cubans, the history of the appearance of cajon is especially noteworthy. AT modern form this instrument is a wooden box on which the musician sits. In the past, the role of the cajon was played by large wooden boxes used to transport fish from Spain to Cuba. As soon as the boxes were freed, they were taken by local music lovers to extract the low sounds of the rumba.

Rumba was the latest foreign style to be included in the ballroom dance program by Soviet choreographers. Teachers of the times of the USSR were confused by the provocative nature of the style.

You can admire the performance of rumba in the cinema thanks to the popular film The Mask (1994). It is impossible to look at the incendiary movements of Jim Carrey in the scene with the police, while remaining still. The shoulders begin to move on their own.

There are several versions about the origin of the style name. The first says that the term "rumboso orquestra" is the basis. At the beginning of the 19th century, this was the name given to musicians performing dance melodies. The second is closely related to Spain, where the word "rumbo" is used in the sense of "way".

The best melodies in rumba rhythms

"Guantanamera"- one of the most popular songs created in the rumba genre. Exact date her appearance is unknown. The poems were written by José Marti around 1891. Musical accompaniment appeared almost 40 years later thanks to Jose Fernandez Diaz. What is the song about? About a girl from Guantanamo who leaves the main character after a romantic relationship.

"Guantanamera" (listen)

"La Paloma" or "Dove". It's hard to believe, but this composition is over 150 years old. Despite her advanced age, she is recognizable from the first chords. It was written by Sebastian Iradier, a Spanish composer. What else is special about this song? The fact that at the moment the number of her records exceeds the mark of 2000. Among famous performers who sang "La Paloma" include Elvis Presley, Julio Iglesias and Mireille Mathieu.

"La Paloma" (listen)

Paxi Ni Ngongo is a sensual and heartfelt song performed by Bonga, an Angolan composer. And although this singer was born far from the island of Freedom, African motifs and the struggle for independence can also be traced in his work. After all, Angola, located in South Africa, fought for freedom from the Portuguese.

"Paxi Ni Ngongo" (listen)

Cantinero de Cuba performed by Cuban singer Velfo Gutierrez. The song is literally saturated with the history of the Cuban people, who loved to relax in taverns. "Tavern in Cuba" - this is how the song is translated, which is remembered for its light and beautiful melody.

Cantinero de Cuba(listen)

Rumba will always be associated with Cuba and the spirit of freedom that the first dancers of African and Spanish origin filled it with. This spirit still lives in the streets of Havana, where dark-skinned Cubans dance with pleasure to the disturbing sounds of African drums.

Video: watch rumba