The wild, exciting music and rhythmical body movements make the earthy Mambo an irresistible style of Latin dance to learn! As you take Mambo dance classes at Arthur Murray in VA Beach, you'll find it to be boastful, flirty, and full of fun.

History of Mambo dancing

In the 1940s, Americans became fascinated by Latin American rhythms. The original Mambo music, El Guardia Con el Tolete, had its beginning in 1944 as a Rumba with a riff improvisation. The Mambo combined American Jazz with the Afro-Cuban beat. Arthur Murray Studios became famous for tuning out turning out some of the best Mambo dancers of the era. As the parent of cha cha and Salsa, the Mambo is an exciting challenge for all dancers.

Music music options

Mambo music is written in 4/4 time with each measure divided into four beats with the important musical accents occurring on the first and third beats. This dance can be done over a wide range of tempos.

Characteristics of Mambo dancing

The components of Mambo are rock steps and side steps and foot styling includes points, kicks, or flicks. The Latin hip movement in Mambo is an important aspect of the dance. The overall flavor of the dance is contained in the translation of the word Mambo which means “shake it” or “say it.”

Mambo songs and artists include

Tequila – The Champs
Mambo #5 – Perez “Prez” Prado
Cherry Cherry – Neil Diamond
Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin