Rhythms
Rhythms in Cuban Dance
Cuban dance is deeply connected to rhythm. Whether you're dancing timba, rumba or changüí — knowing the rhythm helps you move with confidence, musicality and sabor.
Explore the most important rhythms below:
Afro-Cuban
These rhythms are rooted in African traditions and are often danced solo with strong body movement, isolations and polyrhythms.
- rumba">Rumba: Yambú, Guaguancó, Columbia
- Yoruba: Danced to batá drum rhythms for orishas
- Makuta & Yuka: Powerful rhythms often seen in shows
- Bembé: 6/8 rhythm, often used for practice or Afro-fusion
Traditional Social Dance
These are the roots of Cuban partner dancing, great for timing, leading, and building musical awareness.
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Changüí
: Fast, syncopated — danced close to the ground
- Son Cubano: The classic – elegant and precise
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Danzón
: Graceful and slow, with sudden tempo changes
Modern Dance
These are the rhythms behind casino (Cuban salsa), rueda, and timba parties.
Fusion & Urban
These newer rhythms mix Afro-Cuban tradition with modern styles.
- No clave
- Feet not lifted of the ground
The dance features a shuffling footwork style—dancers glide their feet rather than lifting them.
- Originated in Guantánamo
Lees meer >National dance of Cuba, evolved from danza.
Lees meer >Cuban rumba is an Afro-Cuban music and dance genre characterized by complex rhythms, call-and-response vocals, and expressive, often flirtatious movements, rooted in African and Spanish traditions.
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- Oldest of all, Late 1800s
- Clave blanco (Son clave used in yambu)
- Originated in urban areas of Matanzas and Havana
- Not related to religion
- A form of collective culture
Lees meer >The dance involves a flirtatious "chase" between a male and female dancer, with the male attempting a symbolic pelvic thrust called the vacunao,
and the female using body movements to evade or accept it.
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