Many people think that Salsa and Mambo are identical dance styles. Although they are similar in many ways, there are a few significant differences between Salsa and Mambo that I will discuss in this article.
What is the difference between Salsa and Mambo dance? Salsa and Mambo are similar in many ways, but the main difference is in the “son.” Salsa can be danced on 1 or 2; on the other hand, Mambo is not danced on the count but instead on the rhythm of the music.
Son is danced on 8, which is the rhythm of Congas in Cuba. Basically, Mambo is not danced to the count but rather to the rhythm of Congas (musical instrument).
Salsa is music and dance style. On the other hand, Mambo is a style within Salsa that can be danced two ways, which will be discussed later in this article.
Mambo is based on “Son Clave” which is 2/3 or 3/2.
There are two most common ways to dance the Mambo. The first way is to make the same steps as in Salsa dance, except that the dancer breaks on the 2nd beat instead of the 1st beat. In other words, it looks precisely like Salsa (On1), except that it is danced one beat later.
Another way to dance the Mambo is in the footwork that is entirely different from those made by Salsa dancers. This way of dancing Mambo is called either New York dance style or On2. This style is the most popular across the World.
Here is a fantastic video explaining the difference between Salsa on 1, Salsa on 2, and Mambo:
What Is Mambo Dance?
Mambo is a Latin dance style that originated in Havana, Cuba, in the 1940s. It became very popular in New York a few decades after. It is often called New York Salsa style.
Mambo is danced across the World in social and competitive settings. Mambo is enjoyed in many cultures because it is a very energetic, fun, and exotic dance style.
You have probably heard of the song “Mambo No 5” by Lou Bega if you have not heard about the Mambo dance.
Mambo is characterized by its forward and backward movements.
The basic components of the Mambo include rock steps and side steps, with occasional points, kicks, and flicks of the feet.
Mambo has a unique hip movement that is unofficially called “shake it” or “Mambo”.
Mambo is sensual, flirtatious dance style, and dancers are very passionate when dancing the Mambo. Dancers express their passion through sensual hip movements.
Excessive hip movements combined with long, smooth movements and sharp, quick steps add value to the sensual feel of the Mambo.
As discussed earlier, Mambo uses similar steps as Salsa. The Mambo uses a 4/4 beat but is actually danced to the song’s rhythm rather than to the beat count.
Here is an amazing example of the basic Mambo dance steps:
What Is The Difference Between Salsa And Mambo Music?
The difference between Salsa music and Mambo music is that Mambo is a sub-genre of Salsa.
Mambo has evolved in Havana, Cuba, and became extremely popular in the 1930s. Mambo is a Cuban musical style that originates from the Danzon tradition.
The term Salsa describes a wide variety of musical styles from Venezuela, Cuba, and Caribbeans. These styles are rumba, Cha Cha, Son Cubano, bolero, Merengue, danzon, and even some forms of Jazz music.
Mambo uses similar musical instruments to other Afro-Cuban musical genres. Some of the instruments used for Mambo music are bongos, congas, claves, cowbell, guiro, and a drum set.
Characteristics Of Salsa Dance
Salsa dance is mainly partnered dance but can be danced solo too. Salsa is an energetic, fun, and sensual dance style that is extremely popular across the World.
Salsa is a Latin dance that originated in the 1960s and combines Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican dances. It was mainly developed by Dominicans and Puerto Ricans in New York between the ’60s and ’70s.
Salsa dance social events are mainly held in nightclubs, Latin coffee places, bars, restaurants, ballrooms, or outside during summer. Any larger city or town probably has organized Salsa social events here and then. Your best bet would be to search on the Internet or social media for Latin dance events in your area.
I found out about Salsa lessons I currently attend through an acquaintance at my gym. Simply mention to people you are interested to learn Salsa dance, and I am sure some people could direct you in the right direction.
Professional Salsa dancers dance at speeds between 150 bpm and 250 bpm. However, beginner dancers, such as myself, dance at a much slower pace, and there is really no requirement or need to dance that fast. The most important for beginner Salsa dancers is to learn proper steps, moves, and dance techniques. The speed comes last on the priority list.
The Salsa music is phrased in counts of 8. All of the steps you will be learning will fit into an 8 count. However, 2 of the counts are pauses. You will dance on counts 1,2,3, then pause of 4, and continue to dance on 5,6,7 and pause on 8.
A great thing about Salsa dance is that it will continue to change and grow as people add new techniques, steps, and individual styles that others will love, too.
There are 6 Salsa dance styles:
- Afro-Latino Salsa Style
- Columbian or Cali Salsa Style
- Cuban Or Casino Salsa Style
- Miami Salsa Style
- La Salsa Style
- New York Salsa Style
Here is an excellent example of Salsa dance steps for beginners:
Final Words
As discussed in this article, Salsa and Mambo have slight but distinct differences, and it is no surprise that many people confuse these two dance styles. A very few people can distinguish the difference between Salsa and Mambo when they see people dancing on the dance floor. I hope that this article has shed some light on the differences between these two dance styles and their importance.
Happy Dancing!
