Mambo Dancing Lessons Ottawa
Learn to Mambo at Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa, Ontario. We invite you to take advantage of a first free lesson. Click Here
Private Dance Classes
During your one-on-one private mambo lessons, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.
For over 20 years Arthur Murray Dance Studios Ottawa has been one of Ottawa’s leading dance schools. Award-winning instructors and owners Marilisa Granzotto and Steve Martin are members of the World Professional Dance Teachers Association.
History
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. The dancing style 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 the Cha Cha and Salsa, the Mambo is an exciting challenge for all dancers.
Music
The 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.
Characteristics
The components of Mambo are rock steps and side steps and foot styling including points, kicks or flicks. The Latin hip movement is an important aspect of the dance. The overall flavour is contained in the translation of the word Mambo which means “shake it” or “say it”.
Teaching Elements
Breaks – Combinations and variations of rock steps
Shine (Open) Position – Appearance, self expression
Footwork – Staccato footwork, kicks & controlled movement
Turns – Develop momentum control, weight off heels
Interrelation – Variety of figures adapted from other dances
Amalgamations – Combinations of figures
Compare/Contrast – Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha
Songs and Artists Include:
Tequila – The Champs
Mambo #5 – Perez “Prez” Prado
Cherry Cherry – Neil Diamond
Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
