What is the difference between Cuban and American Rumba?

Answer 1

They use similar music - clave rhythm. American Rumba music is a subset of Cuban Rumba.

American Rumba is part of American Ballroom. American Rumba is danced socially and competitively. It is systematized with the purposes of teaching it to public. All the beginner level steps are agreed upon and taught similarly in different schools. You can find the official list of the steps on http://www.usistd.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=51

I believe it is not the case with Cuban Rumba. Maybe someone will tell you more about Cuban Rumba :-) I think it is a lot more about free style dancing to Rumba music.

Here is an example of American Rumba. (Sorry, I couldn't find anything better. All the good videos that come up are International Rumba) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZu7PENCTrU This couple must be a student couple, they dance beginner steps and doing pretty good job with it. Oh, yeah, if you watched Dancing With The Stars last week - Loui and Monique danced American Rumba.

Answer 2

The location!!!!!!