Mambo
Cuba
The History
The Mambo dance originated in Havana, Cuba during the 1930's as a combination of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures. This dance has said to have been connected with voodoo priests in Haiti. Mambo is an African word meaning "chorus or voices" and is said to be a "conversation with the gods" in a Central African language. The Mambo was popularized by a man named Perez Prado and was eventually taken to Mexico soon after.
miguel y claudia festival mundial de salsa cali 2009
Did you know?
The very first mambo music was rarely intended for dancing and was a great deal based heavily on English and French ballroom dancing music.
Where did it come from?
Mambo music was heavily influenced by the Jazz musicians that the Italian-American gangsters, who ruled the Havana's casinos.
How is it danced?
Mambo dancing steps relied on the 4/4 beat of mambo music, with certain beats being "held" by the dancer. It is very energetic and involves motions of the hips.