Mambo dancing is still popular around the States and in international competitive dancing circles. Although professional Mambo dancing can look quite intimidating, it's a fun and active Latin style that can be picked up by anyone with a little practice. With a few local lessons or an online dance video, you can be on your way to mastering the mambo.
The Roles In Mambo
Mambo is a partner dance. Although you can master the basic steps on your own, you'll eventually need a partner to master this form of dance. Mambo for men is all about being confident and leading your partner. Mambo for women requires the woman to follow the man's steps and mirror his footwork. Mambo can also include some acrobatic elements that take strength and practice.
Mambo Beats
Mambo is danced on a 4/4 count of music, with the first and the third count being a "break" in the action. You take steps on count 2 and count 4. On the third count, you shift your weight. On the first count, you are still.
Mambo Instructions
To start, you'll need to stand facing your partner with your feet together. The man should place his right hand on his partner's waist, and the woman should place her left hand on her partner's shoulder. The other hands should be extended away from the body and clasped with a loose grip.
After waiting for the first count of the music, the man steps back with the right foot on the second count. The woman will step forward with her left foot, mirroring the man. On the third beat, both partners shift their weight to the opposite foot. On the fourth beat, the man steps forward with his right foot, and the woman steps backward with her left foot. Each partner also shifts his weight to the foot that is moving during that step.
On the next measure (considered to be beats 5 through 8), the pattern is repeated with the opposite feet. The fifth beat is held. The man shifts weight to his left foot and steps forward with his left foot. The woman steps backward with her right foot. On the seventh beat, the pair shifts their weight to the opposite foot. Then on the eighth beat, the man steps backward with his left foot to bring it even with his other foot. The woman steps forward with her right foot to meet the man.
These are the basic steps that are repeated over again with variations to help make the dance more active and vibrant. By mastering these simple steps, you'll be able to learn more advanced techniques.
 | Mambo dance is one of the most popular forms of Latin dance. Today's Mambo is different from the original Mambo, but it is just as fun. Once you learn these tips, you will be ready to hit the dance floor. |
 | To learn the steps to Mambo, you'll need to decide what type of Mambo you'll be doing. If you get dance instruction at a studio, you will most likely be learning the modern Mambo, since that is much more popular. |
When it comes to Mambo, the history of this dance is similar to other Latin dances. Like the Cha Cha, Rumba and Salsa, the Mambo is based in many different cultures, and the rhythms and steps have never grown stale. |
Mambo music and Mambo dancing have a linked history. Since its origins in Cuba, Mambo has evolved into several different dance forms, each one with slightly different footwork and moves. |
Find articles about mambo dance, mambo history of, steps to mambo, mambo music and mambo dancing. |
