The Rumba was originally a courtship, marriage and street dance that was African in origin. The Rumba met some opposition from society's upper crust because of the suggestive body and hip movements. The characteristic feature is to take each step without initially placing the weight on that step. Steps are made with a slightly bent knee which, when straightened, cause the hips to sway from side to side in what has come to be known as "Cuban Motion."The Rumba is now considered a Cuban dance and is often referred to as the "dance of love." Sultry and romantic, the music is a mixture of African and Latin rhythms. This dance is included in both American and International Style dance syllabii.