How to Do a Mambo Cross Body Lead

The mambo is danced in place, rather than traveling around the dance floor. The cross body lead in the mambo allows the man and woman to change places on the dance floor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Man's Part

1. Begin with the basic mambo step pattern. Step forward on your left foot on count 2, rock back onto your right foot on count 3, set your left foot next to your right on count 4, pause on count 5, step back on your right foot on count 6, rock forward onto your left foot on count 7, set your right foot next to your left on count 8 and pause on count 1.

2. Step back on your left foot instead of forward, placing your left foot directly behind your right so you turn to the left. At the same time, drop your left hand and indicate by pressure on the woman's back that you want her to step forward instead of back.

3. Allow the woman to step past you while maintaining the rhythm of the dance by stepping in place.

4. Turn and step forward on your left foot on count 6, returning to the basic pattern as in step 1.

Woman's Part

5. Begin with the basic mambo step pattern. Step back on your right foot on count 2, rock forward onto your left foot on count 3, set your right foot next to your left on count 4, pause on count 5, step forward on your left foot on count 6, rock back onto your right foot on count 7, set your left foot next to your right on count 8 and pause on count 1.

6. Notice that the man is indicating a cross body lead by pulling you gently forward. Instead of stepping back on your right foot, step forward.

7. Maintain the rhythm of the dance as you step forward again, passing the man.

8. Turn and step back on your right foot on count 6, returning to the basic pattern as in step 1.

Tips & Warnings

• Although counts 3 and 7 are referred to as rocking forward or back, it is customary to lift the foot up and put it down in the same place as you shift your weight onto it.