Mambo
The Bronze · Bronze · American Rhythm
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo — studio
- 45–55 MPM
- Tempo — NDCA
- 47–51 MPM
- Count
- Q Q S · 2 3 4 (1)
Origin
Developed from the Cuban Danzon; introduced by Perez Prado in a 1943 Havana nightclub and brought to New York by 1947. Slowing the music gave birth to the Cha Cha.
Music
4/4 time — fast and poly-rhythmic, breaking on count 2.
Character
Up-tempo and playful, expressing the fun, layered rhythms of the music.
Figures
- 1
Basic
Closed · Open
- 2
Breaks
Crossover · Fifth Position · Open · Outside/Offset · Side · Cucarachas
- 3
Switch / Solo Spot Turns
- 4
Underarm Turns (L & R)
- 5
Three Step Underarm Turn Left
- 6
Chase Turns (Half or Full)
- 7
Walks
Progressive Fwd/Back · RSP/LSP · Promenade
- 8
Crossbody Lead
- 9
Back Spot Turn / Natural Top
- 10
Sweethearts
- 11
Cuddle
- 12
Hammerlock
- 13
Crossover Breaks & Swivels
- 14
Stop and Go
- 15
Chasses
Locks · Runs · Side
- 16
Side Passes (L & R)
Elsewhere in The Bronze
Want to learn the Mambo?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.