StyleInternational Latin
Time4/4
Tempo25 to 27 bars a minute
Count2, 3, 4 and 1
The Rumba syllabus
These are the figures of the International-style Rumba in the ISTD syllabus, grouped by level. Each level adds new figures to the ones before it, and most dancers start with the first.
Bronze
- Basic Movements (Closed, Open, In Place and Alternative)
- Cucarachas
- New York (to Left or Right Side Position)
- Spot Turns to Left or Right (including Switch and Underarm Turns)
- Shoulder to Shoulder (to Left and Right Side Position)
- Hand to Hand (to Right and Left Side Position)
- Progressive Walks Forward or Back
- Side Steps (to Left or Right)
- Cuban Rocks
- Fan
- Alemana
- Hockey Stick
- Natural Top
- Opening Out to Right and Left
- Natural Opening Out Movement
- Closed Hip Twist
Silver
- Open Hip Twist
- Reverse Top
- Opening Out from Reverse Top
- Aida
- Spiral Turns (Spiral, Curl and Rope Spinning)
Gold
- Sliding Doors
- Fencing
- Three Threes
- Three Alemanas
- Hip Twists (Advanced, Continuous and Circular)
Figures follow the ISTD Syllabus Outlines for Modern Ballroom and Latin American (September 2024), checked October 2026. Bronze covers the Student Teacher and Associate figures, Silver the Licentiate figures, and Gold the Fellowship figures.
Learning Rumba with us
Rumba comes up in our monthly Sunday rotation. See this season's schedule.
Dance with us on Sundays
Friendly group classes in north Vancouver, an easy drive from Salmon Creek and Ridgefield.
- Start here: Beginning / Beyond Beginning, Sundays 4–5 PM
- Keep growing: Intermediate / Advanced, Sundays 5–6 PM
$15 per person, per class. Ages 12+. Bring a partner or come on your own.
Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 NE 10th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98685