The Mambo is a sensual form of dance that requires much hip movement. Mambo is not only a style of dance but is also a music style and is derived from parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The movements in Mambo consist of mostly forward and backward movements, and the Mambo is very similar to the Salsa. The rhythm of the steps performed in Mambo goes quick-quick-slow where the leader guides the partner through the steps like in most forms of Latin dance. Some of the steps in Mambo mean that you don’t move your feet as such, but rather you shift your weight onto your feet instead. There are several versions of Mambo, but only one true form of the original Mambo.
Basic Mambo Steps for Men:
The man typically takes the position of the leader and guides the follower through the dance with fierce, strong movements.
- Stand with your feet together, across from your partner.
- Right hand on partner’s waist, left hand in the air in a 90 degree angle loosely grasping your partner’s hand.
- Wait for the music to start and do not move until the second beat.
- On the second beat, step backward with your right foot.
- On the third beat, transfer your weight forward to your left foot, leaning into your partner.
- Fourth beat – step forward with your right foot, bringing your feet together, then transfer your weight to your right foot.
- On the fifth beat, pause with your weight still on your right foot.
- Sixth beat – transfer your weight to your left foot and take a step forward with that foot.
- Seventh beat – move your weight back onto your right foot, leaning back.
- Eighth (final) beat – move weight back to the left foot, and bring it back by stepping back, bringing both feet together again.
- Repeat.
Basic Mambo Steps for Women:
The woman partner typically takes the place of the follower, allowing their male partner to guide them through the dance but being sturdy enough to bring their partner back on step with her strong movements. Mambo for the follower consists of the same moves, only backwards.
- Stand with your feet together, across from your partner.
- Left hand on partner’s shoulder, right hand loosely grasping partner’s left hand.
- Wait for the music to start and do not move until the second beat.
- On the second beat, step forward with your left foot.
- On the third beat, move your weight backward to your right foot, leaning away from your partner.
- Fourth beat – step backward with your left foot to bring your feet together, transferring your weight to your left foot.
- On the fifth beat, pause with your weight still on your left foot.
- Sixth beat – transfer your weight to your right foot and take a step backward with that foot.
- Seventh beat – move your weight back onto your left foot, leaning forward.
- Eighth (final) beat – transfer weight to right foot and bring right foot up by stepping forward, bringing both feet together again.
- Repeat.
Mambo Tips for Men and Women:
- Listen to and watch Mambo music as much as possible, especially when you are first learning to do the Mambo.
- The most important thing to recognize in Mambo is the rhythm and the tempo.
- There are many different steps you can learn for your Mambo style to add some zest to your kick, try checking out some videos online and seeing other people’s Mambo moves.
- The follower should know the rhythm in case the partner messes up.
- There are many different variations of Mambo.
Mambo is very addictive and there is only way to get great at Mambo dancing: practice, practice, practice! This dance will make you want to dance your little heart out, so get out there and dance!
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