Doug. The first ever Latin competition at Blackpool was in 1964. Your medal in 1958 would have been the old box Rumba. Dancing and demonstrating at that time in that style was Philip Mayhew and Olga. Words written about Wally Laird. He had the ability to abandone outmoded theories and present the new technique in a new and inspred format.

Doug-- that style of rhumba you were taught, is still being taught in the States at bronze and silver levels. In fact, I teach it for my social beginners class, here in the u.k.

Allthough Walter Laird's first book was published in 1961 it's contents was standerd practice back in 1954-55.

I know -- i took from walter ( among others )

Serendipidy it was not the box Rumba but international style.You May be right about Blackpool.

The one thing I did not see in this discussion (unless I missed it) is that American Rumba and International Rumba are very different dances.

First, the tempo is different: International = 26 MPM, American 32 MPM (NDCA approved tempi for professional and amateur competition). With the big difference is tempo, the body movements will naturally be different.

Second, one could consider International expression as "lustful" and "romantic", while American expression is "flirtatious".

I do not see any similarities between the two.

Bottom line, there are no mistakes in dancing (except in competition and examination).

Lets get this clarified-- Firstly the term Rhumba-- is a catch all term.

everything commenced with " son ", and from that came Danzon.

This was the forerunner of triple mambo, Cha, salsa , guaracha and the extension of that construction ( the open box ) patterned after Bolero , which was adapted by Pierre into todays Intern. style of Rhumba .

The latin rhythms are far more complex, than just saying -- fwd , back or side .

The majority of social latin dances , bear little or no resemblance to the authentic form ( having researched and danced all style since 1940 with sq.rhumba,) thru todays versions .

Being intern. styled trained, it took many yrs of immersion into the latino community, to really understand the true essence of the many layered rhythms .

ALL latin forms , are based on the " call and response " theory .
And there are not 3 types of rhumba, but at least 6 . Socially, most only get exposed to 2 / 3 .
Freds patterned their beginning from danzon ( the true form ) A/ M opted for a system , that would incorporate the basic for teaching 4 different dances-- it was, and is , a sales tool .

Have worked for over forty yrs , for both organisations, and for the average person, the beginning is of no consequence .

These types of discussions, are for the purists , and only serve to enlighten newcomers to the many pitfalls that await in the social scene.
Lastly-- most latinos (which is most of my friends ) cannot understand what, and or why, the non latino community, has done to their heritage !!

So what to dance to Rumba music you should decide following these two rules:

1) Man dances what he learned from his actual (or if he hasn't one at the moment - last) teacher.

2) Lady dances what man is leading.

I think there is no other way to decide, since you American guys don't use "International Style" all of the time.

(But I sadly have to admit that even in Germany, where most studios follow International Style, some of them teach a "Slow" on beats 1-2 and not 4-1 for beginners.)

Whether the Rumba is Square or Intern. style-- the musical rules do not change--- The commencing direction, if danced on the first bar, should be backwards on the break.
If square to the side ( on 3 and 4 )

For some unknown reason , when the Bolero was taken as the template for the current style, its direction was changed .( we did the same thing with Cha )

As to what to dance as lady ?-- whatever the man leads ! ( I hope )

It's the same music (except the tempo that may be a little bit faster in American Style) BUT NOT the same timing of the step's rhythm in relation to the music. Int. Style: "Slow" step on beats 4-1, Am. Style: "Slow" step on beats 1-2 or 3-4 depending on the dance studio. I think the only thing all styles have in common is that the rhythm of the steps could be counted as "quick qick slow".