What is rumba?

   Rhumba, or rumba, is a ballroom dance in four-four time. Its strong quick-quick-slow rhythm is usually subjected to complex syncopation. Accentuated body movements rather than foot movements characterize the dance. Rumba had its roots as a Spanish and African folk dance. The ballroom dance originated in Cuba and became known in the United States in the early 1930's. The various forms of the ballroom rumba are performed throughout the West Indies.