Returning to Box Step in American Rumba

[DanceMentor]

I do know WHY the dance studios promoted this concept.

The " studios ", made the claim that, one could "dance " 3 different dances in short order with the box.. Waltz, F/trot and Rumba. it was used as a selling tool, and was effective .

Yeah. You are right about that. And early as a teacher I repeated the statement that you could do more than one dance with the box. It is not uncommon to hear people complain that the competitors in American rumba don't show the basic at the higher levels. Now I know sometimes they added the box to appease the detractors, but I still wonder if the way American rumba is devised has some weaknesses.... not to say it can't be done and a good dancer can work well with what they need to do.

 

[DanceMentor]

By dance definition, many refer to a "Half Box" as "forward side close", and the back half as a "4 5 6". Given this, the Half Natural in Quickstep (a Half Box - rotating to the right), does not have Rise/Lower before the succeeding back step with the L foot. Neither does the Half Box of the Progressive chasse (the side close) when preceding a Fishtail.

In the Quickstep, still heel toe, toe, toe heel, yes?

 

[Mr 4 styles]

Wayyyyyyyyy off course


American rumba.....

 

[DanceMentor]

Wayyyyyyyyy off course


American rumba.....

Well, part of the conversation was about other examples of a true closed box step, so that we might compare it to American rumba. At the moment it seems there is nothing all that similar for which we can compare.

 

[Mr 4 styles]

You are correct it's a uniquely American rhythm step as its dance today

 

[twnkltoz]

Samba box has foot rise but no body rise...

 

[tangotime]

, but I still wonder if the way American rumba is devised has some weaknesses....
.

Well, It's predicated and designed with patterns
from Danzon, and they(Cubans ) don't have any problem with it's construction.
Several of the Amer. style figures are identical, and it's seen more today, in Cuba, as a show style dance .

That is the style I teach here. And, I do NOT use the English style Rumba music ! ..

 

[DanceMentor]

Well, It's predicated and designed with patterns
from Danzon, and they(Cubans ) don't have any problem with it's construction.
Several of the Amer. style figures are identical, and it's seen more today, in Cuba, as a show style dance .

That is the style I teach here. And, I do NOT use the English style Rumba music ! ..

Is there a basic in Danzon? Or a box?

 

[tangotime]

Is there a basic in Danzon? Or a box?

The " Basic " is the Box... Guaracha also