11 Rumba Rhythm%3A Hips

COURSE: Latin Blues Volume 2

FOCUS: This lesson focuses on incorporating the rumba rhythm into hip movements, teaching how to initiate motion from the center and optionally add steps for a dance-like feel.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Stand with weight evenly distributed and both feet connected to the floor.
• Initiate hip movement from the center, not the knees, for a relaxed and rhythmic motion.
• Slightly activate glutes to create a sharper and clearer rhythm in the hips.
• Practice the rumba rhythm with counts like 'one, and, and four' to sync hip movements.
• When adding steps, shift weight fully into one leg before stepping on the next beat.
• Play with body shapes and movement around the room while maintaining the hip rhythm.

REMEMBER:

• The movement originates from the center of the body, not the knees, for a natural flow.
• Use glute activation to enhance the sharpness and rhythm of hip motions.
• Weight transfer is key when stepping, shifting fully into one leg to free the other for movement.
• Focus on dancing the rhythm rather than treating it as an exercise for a more expressive feel.
• You can choose to stay in place or add steps, adapting the movement to your preference.
• Let the hip movement travel up the spine to incorporate full-body groove and fluidity.