Mambo

Background

No other dance from the south of the border has ever attained the instantaneous popularity that the zestful Mambo did when it was first introduced from Latin America. The extent of the Mambo invasion can be observed by the widespread use of its rhythm by Tin Pan Alley in the past years. Love ballads were being written to a slow Mambo beat; novelty songs to a fast Mambo beat; and rock and roll numbers were being tailored to the tempo. Across the nation, dancers who had never progressed beyond the Foxtrot and Waltz were clamoring for mambo instruction. It was, and still is one of the most abandoned fun dances of all time.

No doubt, many of you will be surprised to learn that evolution of the Mambo was almost entirely the work of one man: Perez Prado. During the early 1930s, Latin style dance bands were coming increasingly often before American audiences. They were filling the air with Rumbas, Sambas and Tangos. Then, in the 1950s’, Perez Prado recorded a song called “Mambo Jambo” and the fun was on.

The Mambo can be danced according to the individual dancer’s temperament. Conservative dancers can maintain a closed position, while the more daring can perform break away steps and completely separate themselves from each other.

Music and Tempo

The Bronze Mambo music is written in 4/4 times and should be played at a tempo of 45-50 measures per minute for examinations and competitions.

The following timing is mandatory:

Hold (1), 234 hold (1), 234

 Style and Characteristics

The Mambo is a Sport Dance that does not move along the line of dance. Steps are quite compact with the feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Break steps, cross body leads, spins and various body movements all add the unlimited variety of movements that can be used for individual expression in the Mambo.

Cuban Motion (Latin Hip Movement)

Cuban motion is the authentic rolling lateral motion of the hips, which occurs as each step taken. Each step is started with the knee bent and end with the leg straight. The upper torso (rib cage) also plays a very important part in the application of Cuban motion. So each step is taken, the rib cage should be allowed to shift from side to side over the knee that is bent. Cuban motion is used as a means of expression to the music and should therefore reflect the various rhythmical characteristics of the Latin dances. It should be expressed in a very subtle and controlled and controlled manner.