Many forms of music throughout history have been called "The Devil's Music." From Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry, peopled have burned such records to protest such music. And in the same breath, the Mambo was known as "The Devil's Dance" (Diabolo) and can be exhausting to perform in some manners.
The Mambo's history is a complex one, blending together the rhythms and religion of the West African slaves brought over by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade with Cuban music. Mambo is translated as "conversation with the gods" or a priestess who protects the village, heals and provides guidance.
The music of the Mambo became mature as the Mambo drum rhythms were blended with the Cuban Congos music and the Western Jazz music of the Havana casinos. As rich American tourists and celebrities vacationed in Cuba in the 1950s and were exposed to Latin beats and Cuban music, the Mambo easily made its way to America along with Cuban cigars.
Because of this grand mixture of influences, the Mambo caught on quickly in America. Although the American version originally became more docile than the original, it quickly began to become more sensual and erotic. And because of it's African influence, Americans found it intriguing because it was guided by the offbeat rather than the downbeat. And as people started Single, Double and Triple Mambo-ing, dances such as the Cha Cha evolved from it.
The Salsa also derived from the Mambo. The story goes that as bands were playing, people would call out, "Salsa! Salsa!" or "Spice it up!" As a result, the Salsa is a Mambo on steroids. It is faster with a more dramatic flair. Mambo came into its own as a specific musical genre in the 1950s thanks to Perez Prado, who brought the Mambo to New York, but toned it down to accommodate the Manhattan audience. Even in its milder form, however, the Mambo caught on and continues to this day. Both Perry Como and Nat King Cole agree, "Poppa loves Mambo! Mamma loves Mambo!"
The Mambo's history is a complex one, blending together the rhythms and religion of the West African slaves brought over by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade with Cuban music. Mambo is translated as "conversation with the gods" or a priestess who protects the village, heals and provides guidance.
The music of the Mambo became mature as the Mambo drum rhythms were blended with the Cuban Congos music and the Western Jazz music of the Havana casinos. As rich American tourists and celebrities vacationed in Cuba in the 1950s and were exposed to Latin beats and Cuban music, the Mambo easily made its way to America along with Cuban cigars.
Because of this grand mixture of influences, the Mambo caught on quickly in America. Although the American version originally became more docile than the original, it quickly began to become more sensual and erotic. And because of it's African influence, Americans found it intriguing because it was guided by the offbeat rather than the downbeat. And as people started Single, Double and Triple Mambo-ing, dances such as the Cha Cha evolved from it.
The Salsa also derived from the Mambo. The story goes that as bands were playing, people would call out, "Salsa! Salsa!" or "Spice it up!" As a result, the Salsa is a Mambo on steroids. It is faster with a more dramatic flair. Mambo came into its own as a specific musical genre in the 1950s thanks to Perez Prado, who brought the Mambo to New York, but toned it down to accommodate the Manhattan audience. Even in its milder form, however, the Mambo caught on and continues to this day. Both Perry Como and Nat King Cole agree, "Poppa loves Mambo! Mamma loves Mambo!"
About the Author:
Melanie and Tony are currently teaching dance classes in NYC. They have been competing, performing, and developing amazing choreography for the past 30 years. The own a premier dance studio in NYC. If you are interested in learning more background about the history of dances make sure you check out their website.
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