Move · Videos · Technique · 3 min

Mambo Basic Step: Forward and Back for Beginners

Mambo Basic Step: Forward and Back for Beginners — video by Howcast Play · 2:59

Video by Howcast on YouTube · Open on YouTube

New York dance instructors Aaron and Christina teach the forward-and-back basic of the mambo, counted 2, 3, 4, 1 with a hold on 1, say which foot leaders and followers start on, and show the hand holds used with a partner. A quick first look at the dance.

  • 3 min
  • Beginner
  • Low impact (no jumping)
  • No equipment
  • Latin

Good forDancing for fun

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Step by step 4

Tap a time to watch that step in the video.

  1. Basic: step forward on the left, replace onto the right, close and hold 1, then rock back on the right. 0:22
  2. Followers start back on the right; keep the steps small and under your body, as mambo barely travels. 1:25
  3. Hand holds: closed position, two hands, one hand and the handshake hold. 1:48
  4. Dance the forward and back basic with a partner, counting 2, 3, 4, 1, then to music. 2:12

The steps are a summary in our words, checked against the video — the coach shows every move.

Form cues from the coach

  • Leaders start forward on the left foot; followers start back on the right
  • Keep the steps small and compact under your body
  • Close the feet together and hold on count 1

What it works

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Joints it uses light on the joints

  • Hips movesweight changes
  • Knees movesforward and back rock steps
  • Ankles & feet movessmall rock steps and closes

A guide to the joints this video’s moves load, from what the coach does — not medical advice. Some ache is normal; stop if a joint hurts sharply. How joints are rated

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Video by Howcast; the summary, steps, cues, body areas and joint notes are Notbroken’s, written from what the coach actually does in the video and checked a second time. Warm up first, take the easier options until a move feels easy, and stop if you feel sharp pain, chest pain or dizziness. General instruction, not advice for your body. About & safety