Many forms of music throughout history have been called "The Devil's Music." From Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry, peopled have burned such records to protest such music. And in the same breath, the Mambo was known as "The Devil's Dance" (Diabolo) and can be exhausting to perform in some manners.
The Mambo arose from a blend of African rhythms and Cuban music. West African slaves from the Congo and Yoruba were transported to the Caribbean. Bringing their two hundred gods with them, the people would call out to them in music, song and dance. Mambo is translated as "conversation with the gods" and in Haiti, Mambo is a voodoo priestess who protects the village, drives away demons, heals and provides wisdom and guidance.
As the Mambo drum rhythms blended with the Cuban Congos music and then combined with the Western Jazz music played in Havana casinos, the music of the Mambo we know today was created. And as East Coast tourists and celebrities vacationed in Havana, Cuba in the 1950s and were exposed to Latin beats and Cuban music, dances like the Mambo made their way to America.
The Mambo blend of American Jazz, African beat and Cuban Rumba rhythm caught on like wildfire. Although the early version presented in America was rather docile compared to its origins, the Mambo is a dance that can be quite sensual and erotic in its performance. You can take it as far as you want to go. Because of the African influence, the dance is guided by the off beat, unlike traditional Western dances which follow the downbeat. This different movement structure was new to Americans who found the novelty both intriguing and compelling. The Mambo can be danced as a Single Mambo, Double Mambo or Triple Mambo, depending upon the basic steps. It was the Triple Mambo with its five steps per measure that later diverged into the Cha Cha.
The Salsa also derived from the Mambo. The story goes that as bands were playing, people would call out, "Salsa! Salsa!" or "Spice it up!" As a result, the Salsa is a Mambo on steroids. It is faster with a more dramatic flair. Mambo came into its own as a specific musical genre in the 1950s thanks to Perez Prado, who brought the Mambo to New York, but toned it down to accommodate the Manhattan audience. Even in its milder form, however, the Mambo caught on and continues to this day. Both Perry Como and Nat King Cole agree, "Poppa loves Mambo! Mamma loves Mambo!"
The Mambo arose from a blend of African rhythms and Cuban music. West African slaves from the Congo and Yoruba were transported to the Caribbean. Bringing their two hundred gods with them, the people would call out to them in music, song and dance. Mambo is translated as "conversation with the gods" and in Haiti, Mambo is a voodoo priestess who protects the village, drives away demons, heals and provides wisdom and guidance.
As the Mambo drum rhythms blended with the Cuban Congos music and then combined with the Western Jazz music played in Havana casinos, the music of the Mambo we know today was created. And as East Coast tourists and celebrities vacationed in Havana, Cuba in the 1950s and were exposed to Latin beats and Cuban music, dances like the Mambo made their way to America.
The Mambo blend of American Jazz, African beat and Cuban Rumba rhythm caught on like wildfire. Although the early version presented in America was rather docile compared to its origins, the Mambo is a dance that can be quite sensual and erotic in its performance. You can take it as far as you want to go. Because of the African influence, the dance is guided by the off beat, unlike traditional Western dances which follow the downbeat. This different movement structure was new to Americans who found the novelty both intriguing and compelling. The Mambo can be danced as a Single Mambo, Double Mambo or Triple Mambo, depending upon the basic steps. It was the Triple Mambo with its five steps per measure that later diverged into the Cha Cha.
The Salsa also derived from the Mambo. The story goes that as bands were playing, people would call out, "Salsa! Salsa!" or "Spice it up!" As a result, the Salsa is a Mambo on steroids. It is faster with a more dramatic flair. Mambo came into its own as a specific musical genre in the 1950s thanks to Perez Prado, who brought the Mambo to New York, but toned it down to accommodate the Manhattan audience. Even in its milder form, however, the Mambo caught on and continues to this day. Both Perry Como and Nat King Cole agree, "Poppa loves Mambo! Mamma loves Mambo!"
About the Author:
Melanie and Tony are currently coaching dance classes in NYC. They have been dancing competitively, performing, and developing amazing choreography for the past 30 years. The own a premier dance studio in NYC. If you are interested in knowing more background about the history of dances make sure you check out their website.
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