The Rumba's origin is in Cuba and shares its roots with Mambo and Salsa music which came later. A dance known as Rumba was danced starting in the 1890's in Cuba. It was a highly sexually charged dance that was suppressed and restricted there because it was viewed as morally destructive and lewd.

During the years of "prohibition" in the United States when alcohol use was prohibited, legions of American party-goers flocked to Cuba and were entertained there by cabarets often including a toned down version of Rumba danced as part of the entertainment.

The Cuban musicians also started exporting some of the music directly to the American public. Some of the rhythms of the Danzon and Son were blended into the Rumba rhythms and it was marketed to the western public as Rumba, with its exotic and risqué connotations.

This form of music caught on extensively by 1929 with Xavier Cugat as one of the most famous bandleaders from this era. This form of Rumba is sometimes referred to as Big Band Rumba and had quite a faster tempo than what is usually danced for Rumba today.

Even as this craze died down in the general public the dance community kept the Rumba alive and it ultimately developed into three main dance forms : the American Style Rumba, the American Style Bolero and the International Style Rumba developed in England : all of which are danced in professional competition in their respective divisions.

Rumba rhythms have found their way into Country Western, Blues, Rock & Roll and other popular forms of music. This proliferation of Rumba rhythm and the potentially compact nature of the dance make Rumba a very practical choice for anyone who wants to go out dancing.

If you'd like to learn how to dance, your first private session at Gemini Ballroom is free. All you have to do is, call us at (775) 32DANCE (775-323-2623) or email geminiballroom@gmail.com to schedule your complimentary private lesson!

You will receive a 25 minute private lesson, followed by time to go over the calendar (to recommend which classes would be best for you) and to answer any questions you may have.

Gemini Ballroom Academy is Reno's newest Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Social and Partnership dance school offering dance lessons to adults, teens, and children of all levels. Gemini Ballroom offers private or group lessons as well as specialty workshops, drop-in classes and social dance parties.

Gemini Ballroom is located at 2920 Mill Street and the owners, Vanessa & Mario Ornelas, are also dance teachers. For more information, please visit us at www.geminiballroom.com or call (775) 32-DANCE (323-2623).