Mambo

In the 1940's Americans became fascinated by Latin American rhythms. The
original Mambo music, El Guardia Con El Tolete, had its beginning in 1944 as a
Rumba with a riff improvisation. Introduced by band leader Anselmo Sacaras in
1944, the Mambo - didn't really catch on until the 1950s and it remains very
popular today. The Mambo combined American Jazz with the Afro-Cuban beat.
Arthur Murray Studios became famous for turning out some of the best Mambo
dancers of the era. As the parent of Cha Cha and Salsa, the Mambo is an exciting
challenge of all dancers.

Mambo music is written in 4/4 time with each measure divided into four beats with
the important musical accents occurring on the first and third beats. This dance
can be done over a wide range of tempos.

Mambo songs and artists include:
Tequila - The Champs
Mambo #5 - Perez "Prez" Prado
Cherry Cherry - Neil Diamond
Livin' La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin