Rumba
Meredith Duvall
The rhythmic pounding of the drums calls the dancers to their feet as the music wafts through humid air. As if no one else is watching they engage in a rumba flirtation dance where the male thrusts his limbs towards the female with the hopes that he will catch her off guard and do the symbolic “injection” and she will not have time to "cover herself". The dance itself is playful, allowing for the personality of the dancers to shine through. Some of the male dancers take the task of flirtation seriously while others are whimsical and lighthearted in their attempt at seduction. Similarly, the female dancers all approach the dance differently. There are women who skirt around throughout the dance appearing innocent and delicate, yet others are more aggressive and scoff when the men attempt to catch them off guard. The dance represents a courtship with the initial pairing up on the dance floor signaling the introductions of a young couple.
As the music starts the dancers begin moving, assessing one another’s movements and becoming in sync with one another, representing a couple getting to know one another early in their relationship. With the progression of music comes the dancers’ ability to anticipate what the other’s movement will be, signaling that the couple is comfortable with one another and there is a bond present. At this point the male dancer occasionally thrusts himself toward the female dancer attempting to inject, signaling the presence of a physical component beginning in the couple’s relationship. When the music stops the dancers part ways, representing the end of their short Rumba courtship.
Meredith Duvall
The rhythmic pounding of the drums calls the dancers to their feet as the music wafts through humid air. As if no one else is watching they engage in a rumba flirtation dance where the male thrusts his limbs towards the female with the hopes that he will catch her off guard and do the symbolic “injection” and she will not have time to "cover herself". The dance itself is playful, allowing for the personality of the dancers to shine through. Some of the male dancers take the task of flirtation seriously while others are whimsical and lighthearted in their attempt at seduction. Similarly, the female dancers all approach the dance differently. There are women who skirt around throughout the dance appearing innocent and delicate, yet others are more aggressive and scoff when the men attempt to catch them off guard. The dance represents a courtship with the initial pairing up on the dance floor signaling the introductions of a young couple.
As the music starts the dancers begin moving, assessing one another’s movements and becoming in sync with one another, representing a couple getting to know one another early in their relationship. With the progression of music comes the dancers’ ability to anticipate what the other’s movement will be, signaling that the couple is comfortable with one another and there is a bond present. At this point the male dancer occasionally thrusts himself toward the female dancer attempting to inject, signaling the presence of a physical component beginning in the couple’s relationship. When the music stops the dancers part ways, representing the end of their short Rumba courtship.