This is how I answered her inquiry. There are some similarities on the two dances. Both are Latin dances using 4/4 time music. The figures or syllabus can be shared with both dances. The difference is the Rumba is slow tempo and the Mambo is fast. The count of the Rumba is SLOW, QUICK, QUICK with start stepping forward with the left foot and than stepping to the right side with he right foot and followed with the left foot next to the right foot when dancing the Arthur Murray way. The count for the Fred Astaire way is QUICK, QUICK, SLOW with start stepping to the left side with the left foot followed with the right foot next to the left foot and then stepping forward with the left foot. The count for the Mambo is QUICK, QUICK, SLOW or QUICK, QUICK, HOLD or 2,3,4-1 with start stepping forward with left foot (2), rocking back on right foot (3), bringing the left foot back next to the right foot and hold (4-1). The break step is on the 2 count. These are the Leader's basic steps in the American Latin style of dancing for the Rumba and Mambo. The follower's steps are just the opposite. Have fun dancing the Rumba the Arthur Murray way or the Fred Astaire way. If it feels good, it's gotta be the right one for you.
