Cuban Rumba
The rumba is a secular genre of Cuban music that includes dance, percussion and song. It originated in the northern regions of Cuba, mainly in the urban areas of Havana and Matanzas, at the end of the 19th century. It is based on African music and dance traditions such as Congos and Carabali, as well as the key vocals based on Spanish.
Rumba, traditionally initiated by poor workers of African descent in streets and plots, is still one of the most characteristic forms of music and dance in Cuba. Vocal improvisation, elaborate dance and poly-rhythmic percussion are the key components of all rumba styles.
The rumba is one of the main "genre complexes" of Cuban music. This complex includes the three traditional forms of rumba (yambú, guaguancó and columbia).
Yambú
The Yambú characterized by having the same key of the son 3-2, is the manifestation of the rumba that is danced smoothly and cadently. Rhythm that is originated in the city of Matanzas, Cuba, for the dance of the elderly and children. For this reason the Yambú is not vaccinated (Try to get a partner).
Guaguancó
It is the most danced and requested manifestation within the expressions of the Rumba. The Guaguancó has its creation in the lots of Havana, Cuba and is created with the aim of finding a partner. This unique dance is that the man through the dance tries to fall in love with the woman, always trying to “vaccinate her”, if she protects herself because the man has not convinced her, the dance continues. If the man manages to convince the girl through his improvisations and manages to "Vaccinate her", then the dance is over and that couple ends together. Nowadays it is danced in the same way but not with the same objective, being a very attractive and fun dance.
Columbia
Dance that is created in the city of Matanzas, Cuba, with the aim of seeing which of the males is more apt to find a partner. This dance can be compared a lot with cockfighting using the expression "Let's see which is the best Rooster". It is important to clarify that there is no physical contact between the participants, it is only dance competition. Commonly women do not dance this manifestation, but in case they want to learn it they should dance as hard as men. The Columbia has a unique rhythm formed by several drums, boxes, keys, bell, among other instruments and especially a drum called "The Fifth" which is the one that marks the improvisations of the participants. The Columbia is a very colorful and impressive dance but to achieve a good level in this event you need a lot of passion and practice.