Prompt to ChatGPT:
"Please list the ISTD International Standard - Rumba Syllabus. Also give detail movement techniques for each syllabus."
The ISTD International Latin Rumba Syllabus consists of figures categorized into Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Below is the breakdown along with detailed movement techniques for each syllabus figure.
Bronze Syllabus (Basic)
1. Basic Movements (Closed, Open, In Place)
Technique:
Use Cuban Motion, characterized by hip rotation caused by bending and straightening of the knees.
Weight is always on the ball of the foot, with a soft, delayed heel lowering.
Keep a controlled and slow body movement due to Rumba’s 4/4 time with a slow rhythm (2-3-4-1).
2. Cucarachas (Left & Right)
Technique:
Start with a slight pressing action before transferring full weight.
Use hip rotation naturally through bending and straightening knees.
Maintain a straight spine and slightly flexed supporting knee.
3. New York (to Left & Right)
Technique:
Rotate the upper body to create a strong diagonal line while stepping forward.
Keep the free leg extended back with a pointed toe for elegance.
Ensure Latin tension in arms to maintain control and poise.
4. Spot Turns (to Left & Right)
Technique:
Use the inside edge of the ball of the foot for a smooth turn.
Maintain balance by engaging the core and upper body.
Land softly on the standing foot with controlled hip action.
5. Shoulder to Shoulder (Left & Right)
Technique:
The forward step is placed directly in front of the body, not sideways.
Allow natural hip action by slightly relaxing the knee upon stepping forward.
Keep a smooth, flowing movement.
6. Hand to Hand (Left & Right)
Technique:
Maintain a compact frame while extending the free leg.
Step forward with the ball of the foot and delay heel contact for fluidity.
Use upper body rotation for a strong, dynamic look.
7. Progressive Walks (Forward & Back)
Technique:
Use tracking (knees brushing each other during weight transfer).
Extend the free leg before taking weight to create a smooth glide.
Emphasize hip action by settling into the standing leg before taking the next step.
8. Side Steps (to Left & Right)
Technique:
Step ball-flat with a slight knee flexion.
Allow the hips to settle naturally after each step.
Avoid excessive bounce; maintain a controlled movement.
9. Cuban Rocks
Technique:
The movement is subtle but rhythmically precise.
Shift weight smoothly with minimal foot displacement.
Keep upper body poised while engaging the hips.
Silver Syllabus (Intermediate)
10. Fan
Technique:
The lady rotates 1/4 turn to the left to open to fan position.
Ensure precise foot placement for a clean exit into the next figure.
The lead must provide clear arm guidance for smooth movement.
11. Alemana
Technique:
The lady performs a spiral action on the ball of the foot.
Steps should be placed slightly inward to avoid loss of balance.
The lead must control the hand connection to keep the rotation stable.
12. Hockey Stick
Technique:
The lady must delay the turn slightly for a natural flow.
The leader’s left hand must guide the lady’s path smoothly.
Maintain a compact movement to ensure proper distance control.
13. Natural Top
Technique:
Rotate around a common center rather than individual axis points.
The leader controls the speed with a subtle weight shift.
Keep body contact light yet connected.
14. Opening Out (Left & Right)
Technique:
Maintain a soft but firm connection in arm movements.
The free leg should extend elegantly before weight transfer.
Keep the upper body lifted and aligned.
15. Closed Hip Twist
Technique:
The lady’s hip action is delayed slightly before stepping back.
The leader provides a gentle pressure to indicate turn direction.
Weight should remain forward on the ball of the foot.
Gold Syllabus (Advanced)
16. Reverse Top
Technique:
Similar to Natural Top but in the opposite rotation.
Keep a continuous flow with controlled weight distribution.
Minimize foot displacement to maintain balance.
17. Spiral
Technique:
Lady’s spiral action must be tight and centered to maintain control.
The leader must offer firm but subtle guidance for a smooth lead.
Avoid over-rotating, which may disrupt balance.
18. Rope Spinning
Technique:
Lady must complete the rotation in one continuous movement.
Feet should remain close together to enhance smoothness.
Maintain a clear lead-follow dynamic to avoid loss of synchronization.
19. Aida
Technique:
Both partners step apart with strong body isolation.
The exit must be graceful and well-timed to maintain rhythm.
Arms should be used for expressive effect without overpowering the movement.
20. Sliding Doors
Technique:
Partners move past each other smoothly with soft knee flexion.
Timing must be precise to maintain symmetry.
Keep consistent tension in the arms to ensure fluidity.
21. Fencing
Technique:
The forward lunge must be grounded and dynamic.
Ensure a strong, dramatic shaping with arm styling.
Maintain frame while allowing natural movement of the spine.
22. Three Threes
Technique:
Involves quick direction changes requiring strong balance.
Core engagement is crucial for stability and speed control.
Steps should be kept precise and minimal for elegance.
23. Hip Twists (Advanced Variations)
Technique:
Controlled hip rotation with delayed weight transfer.
The lady must execute sharp yet controlled turns.
The leader ensures a stable, fluid lead.
Conclusion
Each syllabus level progressively introduces more complex movements, requiring greater control, precision, and connection between partners. Mastering Cuban Motion, foot placement, lead-follow dynamics, and rhythmical hip action is essential for performing the Rumba beautifully.
Would you like a practice breakdown or drills for specific figures? 😊