Mambo is a Latin dance of Cuban origin that corresponds to mambo music. It is rhythmically similar to the slower bolero, though it has a more complex pattern of steps. The saxophone usually sets the syncopated rhythm, while the other brass carries the melody. Mambo is danced in 4/4 metre at a speed of 45 measures per minute. The basic pattern or "Basic Step" of Mambo consists of two halves: Forward Basic and Backward Basic. When a man dances The Forward Basic, the lady dances the Backward Basic and vice versa. The steps are performed with Cuban hip motion, a weight change while bending the knee - this will result in the hip motion which is typical for Salsa. In mambo however this move is made to appear more sudden and accentuated. There are three steps per measure. They start on the second beat of the measure and cued "(pause)-Two-Three-Four". Count "One" is often described as "pause" or "hold", while in fact the body motion and Cuban hip motion do not stop. Forward Basic • Count 2: Step forward by left foot • Count 3: Replace weight on the right foot • Counts 4,1: Step sideways. (Variant: Step backwards, often used by "Salsa on 2" dancers) Weight is transferred completely on count 4.
