STREET MAMBO

1. Organizer's music in preliminary and semi-final rounds, Organizer's music OR music of the dancers' choice in the final

2. Length of Exhibition: In all rounds except the final, the length of performance should be 1-½ minutes long, to conform to the end of the musical phrase. In the final round, the couple may use music of their choice or the Organizer's music, which must be 2 minutes of music to the end of the musical phrase, but must not exceed 2minutes 15 seconds.

3. Tempo: 50 - 52 bars per minute (200 - 208 beats per minute).

4. Characteristics and Movement: Unlike the American Mambo used for Dance Sport competitions in America and Europe, Street Mambo is virtually the same dance as Salsa. The style is referred to as the Puerto Rico / New York style of Salsa. The basic is a three-step pattern taken during four beats of music in a quick, quick, slow rhythm, but the basic pattern, is commenced by breaking on the second beat of the bar. There are two ways to do this. "Break on two" or "Dance on two". The "dance on two" is also used in the American Mambo and in the International Rumba where the hesitation is made between 4-1. The "break on two" is where the man will break forward starting with the RF counting 1, step fwd with the LF count 2, and are hesitating between 3-4, as in Salsa but starting with the RF, stepping forward with the LF on 2. Street Mambo is a very popular club dance in that it allows a great deal of freedom for the dancers' interpretation of the music using movements and elements from many different Latin dances. Street Mambo choreography is more open with more side-by-side 'shine' maneuvers and other open figures, and the basics are danced more on a line than is the practice in Salsa. In the open 'shines', practically all types of rhythm breaks are allowed.

5. In preliminary and semi-final rounds, 6 couples will dance at the same time, but this is determined by the size of the dance floor. In the final round, each couple will perform solo.

6. Lifts: Low lifts are permitted.

7. At least 50% of the performance should be danced with a hold.

8. In every round, including the final, all couples will dance an opening minute and a final minute together