Mambo is a Latin dance that originated in Cuba in the 1940s when the music genre of the same name became popular throughout Latin America). The original ballroom dance that emerged in Cuba was a syncopated, less rigid form of the danzón, which allowed the dancers to more freely express themselves during the last section, known as the mambo section). The mambo dance that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s in Cuba, Mexico, and New York is completely different from the modern dance that New Yorkers now call "mambo" and which is also known as salsa "on 2").

Mambo is also a style of music that originated in Cuba in the 1940s and popularized in New York City. The word “mambo” means “conversation with the gods” in Kikongo, which is one of the languages spoken by Central African slaves who were brought over to the Caribbean. One of the most well-known mambo musicians is Pérez Prado, who is known as the “King of Mambo” .

Mambo is characterized by strong hip movements, rhythmical body actions, quick footwork, and unique arm wraps and turns. It is a fast and spicy dance that features press lines, many swivels, and spins. The dancer holds on counts 1 and breaks on count 2. Mambo is also a category in ballroom dancing.

In summary, Mambo is a Latin dance and music genre that originated in Cuba in the 1940s and became popular in Latin America and New York City. It is characterized by strong hip movements, rhythmical body actions, quick footwork, and unique arm wraps and turns.