History
The Mambo dance originated in Cuba where there were substantial settlements of Haitians. The fusion of Swing and Cuban music produced the fascinating rhythm and in turn created a new sensational dance. The Mambo dance is
attributed to Perez Prado who introduced it at La Tropicana night club in Havana in 1943. It first appeared in the US in New York’s Park Plaza Ballroom – a favorite hangout of enthusiastic dancers from Harlem. The Mambo gained its excitement in 1947 at the Palladium and other renowned places.
The Mambo craze did not last long and today the Mambo is much limited to advanced dancers. Teachers agreed that this is one of the most difficult of dances. It is a dance with many influences- African, Cuban, Jazz, Hip-hop, even some ballet. Most people treat Mambo as a very fast dance. In essence, it is a slow and precise dance that doesn’t move very much.
Songs You May Recognize
There are lot’s of songs that can be danced with the Mambo! At practices and dances we use a mixture of traditional music as well as modern music.