A combination of energetic music and rhythmic movements make the Mambo
a dance that is difficult to resist.

History:

In the forties, the Americans fervently took a fascination to the Latin-American rhythms. The Mambo was associated with American Jazz and the Afro-Cuban rhythm. For the dancers, The Mambo was an energetic defiance. The Arthur Murray Studios became celebrated for having produced some of the best Mambo dancers of the period. Today, the Mambo is always as pleasant to dance as it is to watch.

Music:

The music of the Mambo is written in a timing of 4/4, with each measure divided into 4 beats. We are able to hear the accents on the first and third beats. This dance is able to be practiced in a large variety of tempos

Characteristics:

Steps that compose the Mambo are the "Rock Steps" and the "side steps". The movement of the haunches and cuban motion are important aspects of the Mambo. the essence of the Mambo is contained in the significance of it's name in French, which means, Move yourself.

Examples of the Mambo and the artists who perform them:

Tequila.....................................The Champs
Mambo #5................................Perez "Prez" Prado
Cherry Cherry..........................Neil Diamond
Livin' La Vida Loca.................Ricky Martin