In theory Salsa and Mambo are really the same dance. They are both based on the Clave beat, yet the feel is totally different.
What's the difference step-wise? Primarily, which country's style you are doing. Colombians though Salvadorans dance more side to side like an off time Samba whisk which is because of the Cumbia influence. Cubans and Puerto Ricans dance more forward and back which comes from the Mambo influence. All the young Salsa kids in the clubs are doing more of a nightclub two-step (yes, Buddy Schwimmer's) version than anything else.
Mambo steps are cut it has a quick feet-hold feeling while Salsa has a undulating feeling more like an ocean wave. While Mambo is a stop in the middle dance, many salsa dancers close feet on the end of the pattern (where most mambo dancers would rock fwd or back).
This is the level where you start your journey into the world of salsa/mambo dancing. In this level you will learn the basic foundation of your “chord basic steps” applying timing, leading, and following connection.
Write a Review