ISM Presents: Eddie Torres "The Mambo King"

Eddie Torres is credited with popularizing the "Mambo On 2" dance style, also known as the New York or Eddie Torres style of dancing Salsa.

By International Salsa Museum

Courtesy of the Eddie Torres Estate

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 0 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

The Early Years

Eddie Torres was born on July 3, 1950, in New York City. He began his dance career in the 1960s and quickly gained recognition for his unique style and innovation, catching the attention of "El Rey Del Timbal" Tito Puente.

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 09 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Eddie Torres and Tito Puente

Eddie Torres began his journey as a dancer by joining the renowned Tito Puente Orchestra. Drawn to the vibrant Latin music scene in New York City, Torres had already developed a passion for dance in his early years and traveled the world showcasing the "On 2" style.

Eddie and Maria Torres Dancing for Tito Puente (1990-01-01) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Eddie and Maria Torres

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 5 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Consistency and Dedication to the Culture

Eddie Torres played a pivotal role in popularizing mambo and salsa dancing in the United States. He was instrumental in preserving and passing on the traditional Latin dance forms to subsequent generations. 

Eddie Torres and Tito Puente Discussing The Show (1991-01-01) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Tito Puente and Eddie Torres

Eddie Torres and Tito Puente having a conversation about the concert set list.

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 1 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Choreography

Eddie Torres is known for his deep understanding of the musicality of salsa and his emphasis on dancing in sync with the music. He recognized that dancing "On 2" allowed for a closer connection between the dance steps and the musical beats, enhancing the overall experience.

Eddie Torres Dancing with Maria Torres

Performing Fiesta A La King By: Tito Puente

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 7 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Inspiring the world through dance

His innovative approach to mambo dancing had a profound impact on the salsa scene, influencing subsequent generations of dancers and shaping the way salsa is danced globally.

Eddie Torres On Channel 9 News Promoting The Mambo (1990-01-01) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Eddie Torres On Channel 9 News Promoting The Mambo.

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 3 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Eddie Torres and Eddie Torres Jr

He has trained and influenced countless dancers, and his techniques have become a cornerstone of modern salsa dancing. His son Eddie Torres Jr is following in his father's footsteps. Eddie Torres Junior has work on major projects, including the hit film "In The Heights"

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 8 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Passing it forward

He has trained and influenced countless dancers around the world, and his techniques have become a cornerstone of modern salsa dancing today.  Eddie Torres will forever be considered one of the best mambo dancers in the world.

Eddie Torres " The Mambo King" 2 (2023-09-15) by Eddie Torres EstateInternational Salsa Museum

From ISM To Eddie Torres,
Thank you Mr. Eddie Torres for constantly teaching the younger generation how it should be done and for keeping the artform alive.  We at the International Salsa Museum will forever honor you.

Credits: Story

Curated by International Salsa Museum and Eddie Torres Estate

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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