To learn the steps to Mambo, you'll need to decide what type of Mambo you'll be doing. Mambo dancing is a dance form that has adapted and changed over time. Although the dance was first popularized to be danced to Mambo music in the middle of last century, a new form of the Dance was created in the 1970s to adapt to more modern rhythms. 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 a combination of several side steps and foot changes. Although the hips are an important part of Mambo dancing, and all Latin dancing, dancers don't learn any specific hip movements. The hip rolls and shakes are all a consequence of changing weight from foot to foot.
Mambo is written in 4/4 time, which means that there are four beats in each measure of music and four dance steps in each four count. On the first count in Mambo music, the dancers "hold" or stay still, but it's still counted as a beat. The dancers also hold on the third count of the music. These pauses in the dancing are called "breaks." The breaks weren't part of the original Mambo dancing, but they are part of Modern mambo.
With the breaks, there are two dance steps but there are three weight changes in Mambo. Although on the first break the dancers are still, the dancers change weight from one foot to the other on the third count. What follows is:
First count: Hold
Second count: Step and weight change
Third count: Weight change (called the "rock step" because the dancer is rocking from one leg to the other)
Fourth count: Step and weight change
The dancers start counting on the second beat of the music and normally count "2&3" and "4&1" to track their steps and hold sequences. These steps can be made as simple or as complicated as the choreographer wants them to be.
Every beginning Mambo dancer should learn two basic steps-the forward basic movement and the back basic movement. When combined and added to other variations of these basic moves, the Mambo becomes energetic and entertaining. It's amazing what can be accomplished with just a few simple movements and the Mambo beat.
 | 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. |
 | 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. |
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. |
