Just curious about rhumba box.

At dance class, we were told rhumba box has no place in 'ballroom dancing'.

In line dancing, we do rhumba box frequently.

At dances, people who have learned from other teachers do rhumba box regularly. And it is taught in online lessons.

Is this a matter of 'International' versus 'American' or whatever?

If you have insight into this conundrum, please advise.

R

What country are you in?

American style Rumba (or Rhumba) is based on the box. International style isn't. (Or maybe it is. Another way of looking at it: One of our local instructors talks about the "Latin box," created by taking a standard box, cutting it in half along a diagonal, and moving one half above the other half. This "box" is used in Mambo, Cha-Cha--with the obvious modification--, Bolero, and International Rumba.)

If you live in the United States, look for a 10-minute movie that occasionally appears on Turner Classic Movies, called "Cuban Rhythm." This movie, from 1941 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033503/), features Arthur Murray instructors teaching the Rumba--using the box. Styles have changed somewhat, but it's still fun to watch.

Thanks. I will try to find that movie.
I'm in London, Ontario, Canada. I'm no longer taking classes, but our former teachers follow a variation of International (I think). It's they who told us that rhumba box is a 'no- no.'
While at dances, I try to adapt and do a little rhumba box.
But it makes me curious why some styles discourage, while others encourage it.
R

I am in Ottawa and we regularly teach the rumba box. So I think it is a personal prejudice of your instructor, to say that the 'rumba box has no place in ballroom.' It is American style and easier for new dancers to learn, in my opinion, but not worse or better than International.

To say that the box has no place in Latin Rumba is an exaggeration. Your instructor probably means that it is not a basic step in Latin, while it is basic in American Rhythm and social dance.

There is at least one top Latin couple who make a box part of their chorography, of course using Latin not Rhythm timing.

Yes I think it is an International versus American thing.
Here in the UK, the box danced at the faster American Rumba speed would probably be regarded as Bossa Nova.

"No place in ballroom" is probably a bit strong but an International teacher would definitely try to avoid the box step. Not because of the step itself but because of the timing and style that goes with it. There's no doubt that it is easy to learn but the action is completely different from the basic that International beginners will be working on.
International teachers will concentrate on the timing and hip action of the side step, taken Slow, on beats 4-1, possibly emphasising stepping on 4 and settling the hip on 1. Trying to mix that with a box step where the side step is Quick will cause real confusion, hence it has "no place".

I teach both International Rhumba and Box Rhumba. My students love Box Rhumba. Reasons are its an easy dance and timing, and because of the pace of the dance, there is more opportunity to dance it socially - most parties with a dj will play music suitable for this dance (Drifters 'Dance With Me' for instance). Because it is compact, it doesn't need much space so you wont annoy too many people around you. So yes, it has its place, in any country!

And you would be correct...

The " Box " is the same format as Danzon ,which is/was the original form of Rumba.

This box style was taught in the UK until the late 40s, and is still taught in the US as part of the Bronze sylab.. The Intern style Rumba is based on Bolero, again, still taught in the US.

I use the Box format for my social class students ( AND with original cuban music )..-

Thanks for your reply.

"no place in ballroom dancing" was my wording. Sorry if it gave the wrong impression! But our teachers made it clear that we shouldn't do the 'box.' I appreciate socialdancer's reply from the U.K., stating that it probably is a question of 'International' vs 'American' and explaining why the 'box' doesn't fit the timing and style of 'International.'

Much appreciated.

R

I just moved to London and was looking for a studio that teaches international ballroom, if you don't mind me asking where did you go? :)