Although they share the same name, American Rumba music is significantly faster than the International Rumba. The sound of American rumba music can be thought of as more similar to the strong rhythms found in the cha cha. Because of this, the character for the dance is less of an intimate romantic connection, and more of a flirty getting-to-know-you romantic feel. Like the cha cha, the American rumba shares an emphasis on the 1 count, while the International rumba is stronger on the 2.
Note that there are two distinctly different, but both acceptable rhythms in which to dance the American rumba. One version (originated by the Arthur Murray school franchises) is to dance Slow (1 hold count 2), Quick (3), Quick (4). The Fred Astaire school franchises teach the alternative method, which is Quick (1), Quick (2), Slow (3 hold count 4). Both are considered valid in amateur and professional competitions. This discrepancy makes it more difficult to judge and maintain a standard of rhythm for this dance. In the opinion of DanceSport Place, the Slow Quick Quick version is more musically appealing and better fits the rhythm of this dance style. However, social dancers (especially ladies) will want to be versed in both options, so they will feel comfortable dancing either one with a partner who may be used to one in particular.
