Open Break

Open Break: During mambo the Leader steps backwards on 1 instead of forwards to open up between himself and the Follower.

Advanced definition: Partnering Dance Technique. The Leader Breaks (see "Breaks") backwards instead of Breaking to the front when dancing Mambo Basic (see "Mambo Basic"). While Breaking back he will give the Follower a little push and he will immediately pull her to himself on the following beat (stepping forward with the other foot).

The Open Break is mostly used as a tool for the Leader to give the Follower more speed to either trade dance places with her (e.g. Cuban "Enchufes" and "Vacílala's"), to lead her out of her normal basic (e.g. to lead her into a Copa & a reversed 360), or as a Styling Dance Technique. Important: the Leader must make the Open Break as small as possible, and he must keep his leading arm(s) bent. This allows the dancers to keep dancing close together (less dangerous for the other dance couples on the dancefloor!) and it makes it easier for the Follower to follow his lead correctly.