How to dance the Mambo

History:

It is generally believed that the Mambo dance was first originated in Cuba and then spread to the rest of the world. Mambo dance was first invented by Perez Prado in Cuba around 1930, and became very popular in New York, America in 1940-1950.

Mambo music:

The origin of Mambo music dates back to about 1938, when Oresta Lopez gave a composition called as "Mambo." He combined his composition with African rhythms. It was marketed by Perez Prado, who made it popularized in America and Europe. As the music developed, the musicians started experiments with some new beats and tempos.

Mambo Dance:

Mambo dance was originally played as Rumba with a break on 2 and 4 in 4/4 rhythm. The dance was first presented at the New York's Plaza Ball room, and so became famous at other renowned places as well. A modified version of Mambo was introduced for the first time in dance studios, resorts and the night clubs in Miami and New York.

Triple Mambo was developed using Cuban side steps producing a sound "Cha-Cha-Cha." However, it was later modified by dropping one Cha by Arthur Murray, so became slower. Considering the origin of the dance, Mambo is referred as "diabolo," meaning "the devil dance."

The two dances, Mambo and Salsa are thought to be quite similar, but the difference lies in the tempo, so can be differentiated in terms of timing and technique.

Mambo, is written in 4/4 time (4 beats to a bar of music), and so are the four dance steps to a bar of music. Mostly it is counted as quick-quick-slow, but for the purpose of memorizing, we can count it as Step, Rock, Close and Pause.

In Mambo, the movement of feet occurs on beats 2 and 4, while the change of weight is done half way through second, third and fourth beats. On count three, the movement is just the forward and backward movement, and the feet do not move, yet it is considered as a step.

Basic dance steps:

There are two basic steps in Mambo dance, the Basic Forward Movement and the backward movement. Combining the two Basic steps give rise to eight steps of the first movethe Forward step. To start with, if the man moves his left foot forward, then the lady partner will have to move her right foot back, and vise versa.

Footwork for the forward movement:

Toe first, slide the left foot while changing weight onto the left, but right foot will not move.

Right-Rock back:

Change weight onto the right leg, but do not move your left foot.

Step back and Close:

Slide the left foot back, changing weight onto the left leg, but the right foot will not move.

Pause:

Either you do not move, or drag the right foot ready to step back on the next step.

In the Basic Forward movement, the man will perform the Basic Forward Movement followed by the Back Movement, while the lady will go opposite. She will perform the Back Basic Movement followed by the Forward Movement.

Footwork for the Basic Back Movement:

Toe first, sliding the right foot back, change the weight on the right leg, but the left foot will not move.

Left Rock Back:

Change weight onto the left leg, with no movement of the right foot.

Step Forward and Close:

Slide the right foot forward, and change weight onto the right leg. Do not move the left leg.

Pause:

Either do nothing or drag the left foot ready to step forward on the next step.

So we are ready to take the Forward Step.

An important characteristic feature of Mambo dance is the hip movement, which occurs while swapping the weight between the feet. We can see that there are two foot movements on count 2 and 4, but there are three changes of weight.