The Mambo is a quick and playful dance that expresses sensuality. It requires passion to perform the swift hip and back and forth movements that characterize the dance. Each step of the mambo is fluid and works to create a rocking motion that makes it so fun to perform.
The spicy Mambo as we now know it grew out of the Danzon (national music of Cuba), and grasped the imagination of the American dance scene at the close of World War II. Later, fast Swing-Jazz and upbeat Latin music joined in to form the updated and uninhibited Mambo. The Mambo is a spot dance and the steps are quite compact.
Originally from Cuba, the Mambo is enjoyed throughout the world at both the social and competitive dance levels. The mambo is a favorite of ballroom audiences because of its high energy level and infectious rhythms. Popularized in recent years by singers such as Ricky Martin, the Mambo is fascinating and diverse.
Mambo Characteristics:Â The feel of the Mambo is based mostly on forward and backward movements. The basic components of the dance include rock steps and side steps, with occasional points, kicks and flicks of the feet. Important to Mambo is the distinctive hip movement, hence the meaning of the word mambo: "shake it."
Mambo Action:Â Some say the Mambo is a flirtacious, sensual dance, sometimes almost raunchy. Mambo dancers appear quite passionate and seem to express that passion with the movements of their hips. Exaggerated hip movements combined with long, flowing movements and sharp, quick steps contribute to the sensuous feel of the Mambo.
History of Mambo:Â The Mambo dance originated in Cuba as a mixture of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures. The Mambo is believed to have been named after the voodoo priests who thought they could send dancers into hypnotic states. Initially condemned by the churches and resricted by authorities in some countries, with time the Mambo gained popularity and became the favorite dance style that it is today.
