Mambo

The Mambo was a dance craze that took off in the 1940s and lasted decades. It originated in Cuba, and follows the same Cuban timing as other dances from that region, with the first step of a figure being danced on the second beat of the bar. Thanks in large part to its popularity, many different styles developed, as well as hundreds of different moves. It’s fast, sexy and a lot of fun.

Learn the Mambo at Long-Steps

We’ll take you through all the steps from scratch. Even if you have never danced before, we will show you how. You do not need a partner to learn the dance, your instructor will dance through it with you.

Long-Steps currently teaches the Mambo periodically during our Adult Classes and by Private Tuition.

Long-Steps teaches the Mambo according to popular and recognised resources.

History of the Mambo

Mambo music was introduced in the 1930s as a syncopated version of an older style of Cuban music. By the time the 1940s rolled around, it was a huge hit in Cuba, Mexico and New York, thanks to Perez Prado and his big band style. A Puerto Rican dancer called Pedro Aguilar, also knowns as “Cuban Pete”, was named the best Mambo dancer of all time, and spent decades performing, teaching, choreographing and consulting for filmmakers and dance performances.

New York studios developed their own style of Mambo in the 1960s and 1970s, and were influenced by jazz and tap. It is sometimes known as “Salsa-on-2” because of its Cuban timing. Because of its speed, the hip movement is integral to keeping your balance and producing a smooth, sexy look to the dance.

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Technical Details

Time Signature: 4/4
Musical Selection: Mambo
Tempo Range: 36 to 40 bars per minute

 

More on Urban Latino
Bachata | Bolero | Mambo | Merengue | Salsa