Ballroo

m Dances
ART APPRECIATION

Lecture by Key Suzzane D. Ortega

Wednesday, April 26th at 8:30 a.m.
Tango Mambo

Rumba
 Objective
At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to
01 define Tango, Rumba and Mambo dance.

At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to

02 identify the characteristics of Tango, Rumba and
Mambo

At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to

03 describe the difference between Tango, Rumba and
Mambo dance.
 Tango

01
 01Tango Dance
One the most famous partner dances that
emphasizes the vibrant and playful style of
movement, rich expressions, improvisation and
requires close connection and passion between
dancers.
History
• Originally developed with influences of African
and European culture in Argentina and Uruguay
under the name of “tango criollo” (Creole tango).
The origin of the word “tango” comes from the
words tango/tambo which was used in the region
around the basin of River Plata to describe the
musical gatherings of slaves.
Characteristics according to
movements:
• A close hold, a low center of
gravity and an emphasis on
Contra Body movement.
• Movement is stealthy, almost
cat-like and has an unmistakable
staccato feel and major dramatic
attitude.
 Tango Dance
01

Characteristic according to music:

• Use of syncopated rhythms, which give it a sense of rhythmic complexity and
energy.
• The rhythm of the modern tango holds the 2/4 or 4/4 beats per measure with
two upbeats and two downbeats.

Timing
Danced in a 4/4 time signature around 120 bpm, the Tango is counted in bars of
eight. Alternate timings can include the use of slows and quicks, where a slow
represents two beats and a quick represents a single beat.
Rumba Dance
02

Sometimes called the “dance of love,” Rumba is a slow, romantic

dance distinguished by its Cuban hip motion and sensual connection.

The word “rumba” comes from the Spanish verb “rumbear” which means to go
dancing, party and to have a good time. Originated among the African slaves in
Cuba in the sixteenth century. The dance was said to be representing the male
pursuit of a woman and the music played with a staccato beat to keep time with
the expressive movements of the dancers.
 Rumba Dance
02
Characteristics according to
movements:
• Subtle side to side hip movements
with the torso erect, the rumba is
danced with a basic pattern of two
quick side steps and a slow forward
step.
TIMING
• This dance can also be counted in a
“Slow, Quick, Quick” timing, where a
slow represents two counts, and a quick
represents one count. Therefore, a “slow,
quick, quick” can also be counted “one
two (slow) three (quick) four (quick).
Rumba
03 Mambo
dance
Mambo is a fast and spicy dance characterized by strong Cuban Motion,
staccato movement, and expression of rhythm through the body. The dancer
holds on count 1 and breaks on count 2.
Mambo has its origins in the religious ritual dances of West Africa. The
word "Mambo" is the name of a voodoo priestess.

The Mambo consists mostly of forward and backward movements. The

basis of the dance is done with rock steps, side steps and occasionally has
points, kicks, and flicks of the feet. There is also a hip movement used
during Mambo.

TIMING
This dance can be counted (1)234(1) or Quick, Quick, Slow. As a
reminder, dancers will hold on count one and break (step) on count
two
Mambo
Dance is a way to tell
stories, to remember our
past and to celebrate life.
Through dance, we can bridge the gap between generations
and cultures, and create a shared experience of joy and
understanding.
 Thank
your for
listening!
Lecture by Key Suzzane D. Ortega
Wednesday, April 19th at 8:30 a.m.