How to Mambo Walk

Mambo walks move forward, backward or side-to-side. The emphasis is on the two beat of the music, which separates it from Salsa. Count the dance in eights and the rhythm is a quick, quick, slow or two, three, four with holds on the one and five.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin facing each other with the follower's left arm resting on the leader's right shoulder. The follower's right arm should be at a 90-degree angle to her body, with the right hand holding the leader's left hand.

2. Bend your body slightly forward while you're in the dance position with your partner. Your body should be a little forward of your ankles.

3. Move the left foot forward as the leader, stepping onto the ball of the foot then the heel, as the follower moves the right foot back with the same action. As you step onto the ball, the leg bends then straightens as you step onto the heel.

4. Repeat Step 3, with the follower moving back on the left and the leader moving forward on the right. Continue the action to do the Mambo walk.

Tips & Warnings

• The hip action of Cuban motion comes naturally from the bending and straightening of the legs.
• The ball heel action of the foot happens quickly in Mambo walks.