The Rumba is a word used for a group of related musical and dance styles authentic to Cuba. It is also a genre for singing and dancing, born of an Afro-Spanish tendency, with a distinctive African mark. Its origins can be found in poor urban sites with a highly concentrated population of African descent, as well as in semi-rural areas near sugar refineries. Contrary to popular belief the rumba is completely music and has no ritual meanings. Striking an object, drums or even simple wooden boxes is how rumba music is played. This beat is accompanied by small sticks and sometimes spoons. The African contribution is rhythm. From the start, the singer begins to sing, and then the other instruments join he/she. A small stick (clave) marks the rhythm, then comes the bass drum, followed by the "quinte" (higher drum), and increasingly enriches the rhythms.
             There are three different types of Rumba. The first type is the Yambu. It is a slower, simpler style designed especially for older people and dancers to dance in a relaxed style. The second style is Guaguanco. It is a moderate to fast variation, especially designed for couples. It mimics the play of seduction and sexual possession. The man throws his arm or leg or pelvis in the direction of his partner, symbolically attempting to touch or sexually contact the woman. She entices him and then turns away when he reaches out. The third type is the Columbia. It is the fastest of the three styles. A single dancer who performs acrobatic and daring moves, to demonstrate their courage, strength, agility, and sense of humor, performs the Columbia.
             Rumba also spelled RHUMBA, ballroom dance of Afro-Cuban folk-dance origin that became internationally popular in the early 20th century. Best known for the dancers' subtle side-to-side hip movements with the torso erect, the rumba is danced with a basic pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step.
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