Mambo is a Latin dance which originates from Cuba. It has similarities with salsa but has a different tempo and structure. There are several variations of mambo. This page takes you through the steps of how to dance mambo.

(Creative Commons photo by antonkudris)

• Mambo dance is danced to the music of mambo. Both the music and the dance has many similarities with salsa. The dance originated in Cuba in the 1940s. There are many different versions of mamba and the steps and tempo will differ.

• Before learning the steps of mambo, listen to the music and watch people dance to it so you understand the fundamentals of the dance.

1. Mambo is a sensual dance which involves many hip movements.
2. The music style is Afro-Caribbean and Latin American.
3. Mambo involve mostly forward and backward movements.
4. An untrained eye or ear can confuse mambo and salsa, since the two are quite similar.
5. The step combination is quick-quick-slow.
6. The leader will guide the partner through the steps.
7. The follower will move in the opposite direction of the leader.
8. Mambo includes several steps when you don't actually move your foot, but only shift weight onto it in a style similar to salsa.

• Now it's time to learn some mambo steps. There are several versions of mambo. Steps will vary slightly depending on which version you are dancing. Basic mambo steps include a backward movement and a forward movement. You can do these in either order.

1. Don't move until the second beat.
2. First, move forward.
3. Slide your left foot forward and shift weight to that leg.
4. Rock back onto the right foot and change weight to that leg.
5. Slide your left foot back.
6. Next, it's time for a backward step.
7. Slide your right foot back and change weight to its leg.
8. Rock back onto the left foot.
9. Step forward and change weight to the right leg again.

• After learning the basic steps of mambo, practice.

1. Learn the rhythm and tempo of the music and the specific dance style.
2. Learn to listen and follow the music with your steps.
3. Practice dancing with a partner. If you are the follower, make sure you follow your partner, even if your partner makes a mistake. Only one person can lead in any partner dance.
4. Learn some advanced steps.
5. If you have difficulty learning, rent or buy a dance instruction video, watch dance instruction videos online, or sign up for a dance class.

• To learn how to dance the mambo, first listen to the music and familiarize yourself with the music's tempo and rhythm. Then learn some basic mambo steps and practice, practice, practice.

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