American Rumba – Side Breaks
Learn how to dance the Side Break in American Rumba.
How to dance the Side Break in American Rumba
Timing
The timing for Rumba is slow, quick, quick, which equals one measure. An individual side break only takes one measure to complete. Often times you will do a number of side breaks in a row.
Leader’s Footwork:
Side Break to the Right:
Starting in closed dance position – Left foot forward (or Left foot in place), Right foot to the side and rock step and replace weight back to left foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Left:
Close the right foot to the left foot and change weight. Left foot to the side rock step and replace weight back to the right foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Right:
Close the left foot to the right foot and change weight. Right foot to the side rock step and replace weight to the left foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Left:
Close the right foot to the left foot and change weight. Left foot to the side rock step and replace weight back to the right foot. (slow, quick, quick)
At the completion of this step your left foot will be free for the next step pattern.
Timing: slow, quick, quick for 4 measures
Follower’s Footwork:
Side Break to the Left:
Starting in closed dance position – Right foot back (or right foot in place), Left foot to the side and rock step and replace weight back to right foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Right:
Close the left foot to the right foot and change weight. Right foot to the side rock step and replace weight to the left foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Left:
Close the right foot to the left foot and change weight. Left foot to the side rock step and replace weight back to the right foot. (slow, quick, quick)
Side Break to the Right:
Close the left foot to the right foot and change weight. Right foot to the side rock step and replace weight to the left foot. (slow, quick, quick)
At the completion of this step your right foot will be free for the next step pattern.
Timing: slow, quick, quick for 4 measures
Rumba Technique
Side Rocking Action
When rocking to the side it is important to completely change your weight from foot to foot. This allows you to complete your full hip action.
Check out the video below where it breaks down the technique of the side rock in the Rumba Side Break.
