Ballroom Dancing with Donna

Learn About the
Mambo / Salsa
An American Rhythm Dance

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The Mambo originated in Cuba during the 1940's from the “Danzon”. The dance very quickly took hold in the United States and has become one of the most popular Latiin American dances. The fusion of the Latin and the jazz music with an African flare created a whole new rhythm for expression. Latin dance bands like, Xavier Cugat, and Perez Prado were instrumental to creating the Mambo mania of the 40's.

The Salsa is very similar but rocking or “breaking” actions are danced on the 1-2 or 3-4, where Mambo dancers break on the 2-3. The Salsa is becoming a very popular club dance and is even finding its way into the competition scene. It is danced smaller and the use of more intricate “double arm” moves are incorporated into the dance. Salsa clubs are opening all over the US with a larger Latin population. All of the steps from the Mambo can be incorporated into the Salsa.

Character:
Fast, fun and rhythmical, hip action is essential.
1.	Danced in One Spot
2.	Cuban Motion (hip action)
3.	Subtle use of Rib-Cage action
4.	Na-Ni-Go action (Forward & Back)
5.	Rocking Actions, Walking Steps
6.	Solo Movements emphasized, kicks, flicks, ripples, spins, etc.

Footwork:
Ball/Flat throughout Inside Edge to Flat can also be used.
Note 1. On side movements, the foot can roll from the inside edge to a flat foot Note 2. And on "Back" Rocking the heel may or may not lower depending on the speed of the music. Also, when dancing Back Spot Turns (Natural Tops) the right "hooking" should be placed with weight on ball of foot only.

Tempo:

42- 51 MPM

Count:

Mambo Rhythm:
2    3 4-1,    2    3   4-1
q   q      s       q     q    s

Salsa Rhythm:
   1   2   3-4,    1   2   3-4 q   q    s        q   q    s

or
3   4   1-2,    3   4 1-2
q   q    s      q    q   s

There are various other counts that can also be used.

This content is intended as general information and should not be used in lieu of an actual dance class to learn the aforementioned dance.

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