Rumba in Asia: Mind the Culture Gap!
A Salsa in Bangkok column by Dr. Roland
After the emergence of Salsa in Asia a decade ago, we are now witnessing a surprising expression of interest of Asian in African and Cuban music and dance forms such as Rumba.
This new trend is a culture breakthrough that goes far beyond the mere fact of performing exotic Afro-Cuban dances by Asian. The time is ripe for these different parts of the world to bridge their culture gaps, for mutual respect and appreciation…Where there is mutual respect and appreciation, cooperation and business soon follows…
The purpose of this special column (“Rumba in Asia: Mind the Culture Gap!”) is to give a brief introduction to Rumba and to update readers on Rumba events and classes in Asia.
###What is Rumba?
In a broad sense, Rumba is a generic word that designates traditional Afro-Cuban musical and dance forms that are based on percussions and “clave” (the two sticks of wood that are used in clave dances). Rumba is the expression of all aspects of life as well as worships of various divinities by using the dance and music media.
In a narrow sense, Rumba is a rural music and dance expression that combines influences of Spanish vocal styling and West and Central Africa percussion dances.
There are many forms of Rumba such as “Rumba Yambu”, “Rumba Colombia”, “Rumba Elegua” and “Rumba Guaguanco” with their own “clave” and percussion styles.
###What is the origin of Rumba?
Rumba and it various expressions where created in West Africa thousands of years ago. It is deeply rooted in West African folklore and traditions. Even today, authentic forms of Rumba can be witnessed in countries of the golf coast of Africa (especially in Benin and Nigeria), in Central Africa and in Mozambique. During the 16th and 19th centuries, natives of these countries were taken to Cuba, the Caribbean, Brazil and the Americas. Most of those who landed in Cuba originated from Benin and Nigeria and brought with them the seeds of what will become “Cuban Rumba”.
###Why is Rumba becoming popular?
In the past, especially in Cuba, Rumba was considered as too suggestive and trivial and banned in urban areas and in the upper class of the society. At that time the influence of the Catholic Church were strict, and only western music and dances such as “Danzon” and “Ballroom” where admitted.
Nowadays Rumba is operating a surprising come-back, including in Salsa music and Dance, around the world.. It is being adopted by leading Salsa dancers as a “must” in any good Salsa dance routine. Thus, Rumba is becoming a new fashion and phenomenon that is just starting to conquer the Salsa dance floors in Asia.
###What are the basic principles in Rumba?
Rumba may be challenging to dance, especially for non Afro-Cubans. It is therefore useful to be aware of a few basic principles for understanding this dance and to find one’s way out to “survive” on Salsa dance floors with Rumba. Here are the five most important principles to keep in mind. Rumba is freedom, improvisation and creativity.
###What is the difference between Salsa and Rumba?
According to experts, Mambo comes from Rumba and Salsa comes from Mambo. It is also said that Mambo is a fast Rumba while Salsa is a fast Mambo… In all cases Rumba and Salsa are both “clave” based music and dances.
Salsa clave is based on 3#2 beats whereas Rumba clave is based on 2#3 beats and this little difference changes everything in the music and dance expression and feeling.
A “modern and effective” Salsa dancer should be able to identify the Salsa and Rumba sections in Salsa music, let go the partner and step accordingly to match the rhythm…. The musical transition between Salsa and Rumba is usually stressed by the acceleration of percussions (Bongo or Conga), which characterizes Rumba.
###Rumba updates in Asia.
In KOREA
As far as our memory can go…The first major Rumba event in Asia was recently organized in Korea during the SEOUL INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL - 14 -15 October 2005. See http://www.sidance.org/2005/mail/medina/index_e.htm
The organizer is a young Korean Lady (Yvette) who is doing an impressive job to promote Salsa and Afro-Cuban music and dances in Korea. See our column in www.Bangkokjungle.com “Salsa in Korea: The Dancing Tigers “.
In THAILAND
Rumba is still a curiosity in Thailand, but not for long I guess. Indeed, Roj, the leading Thai Salsa instructor and promoter in Bangkok, is organizing a Salsa workshop that will start on October 29th.
For the first time, this workshop will include a Rumba session.
The class is designed to take participants to the next level of SALSA dancing and
will cover advance skills and patterns including
* Advance Patterns
* Perfecting Upper Body and Hip Movement
* Multiple Spins
* Series of Dips
* Solo Foot-works
* Men and Women Styling
* One Special Rumba workshop by Dr. Salsa (modern Salsa applies a
lot of African Dance movements) on 12th November
For more information on Roj Salsa workshop, please contact rojsalsa@yahoo.com
If you are interested in learning and reading more about Rumba, please contact “Dr. Salsa” at yuroasialatina@yahoo.com