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. All of these styles originated from the basic Mambo dance, which was popularized by Perez Prado.
The Many Meanings Of Mambo
The word "Mambo" has several meanings, including "shake it!" but it also means "conversation with the gods." Voodoo priestesses are often called "mambos," and the name applies to the drums that were used in rituals. The dance of Mambo was created to fit with a new style of music, also called Mambo. Band leader Orestes Lopez launched this music in 1930s in Havana, and its influences included jazz music and traditional African and Cuban rhythms.
Mambo Moves
Mambo dancing steps relied on the 4/4 beat of mambo music, with certain beats being "held" by the dancer. When the dancer holds, they move in place but don't take any steps forward. Although the dance originated in Cuba, the form was adapted as people all over the United States began experimenting with Mambo music.
The Spread Of Mambo
A friend of Lopez, Perez Prado, gets much of the credit for popularizing the dance. After conquering Havana nightlife, Prado moved to Mexico but was banned by the government for promoting a non-traditional style of dance. He then took his influence to New York, where Mambo dancing was further adapted for American audiences. It first premiered in the Park Palace Ballroom in New York in 1947 and became one of the most popular Latin dances. Other dance kings joined Prado in the Mambo craze, including Tito Rodriguez, Tito Puente, Machito and Xavier Cugat.
The original version of the Mambo had wild acrobatic moves that simply couldn't be reproduced by most casual dancers. The modified Mambo was popularized in dance studios, resort hotels and night clubs throughout New York and Miami.
Today, dancers perform "modern Mambo," which is different from the traditional Mambo dancing that was popular in the middle of last century. It was created in New York in the 1970s. It incorporated quicker steps than the original form of Mambo.
Modern mambo is normally performed as part of dancing competitions. Today, very few people would pull out Mambo dance steps on the dance floor, but it does make for an impressive display of dancing skills in competition and exhibitions.
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
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. |
Find articles about mambo dance, mambo history of, steps to mambo, mambo music and mambo dancing. |
