1950s: Cuba is a popular vacation resort for American tourists, who enjoy the benefits of the strong U.S. dollar and a foreign government that welcomes U.S. businesses.

1980s: Cuba is an ally of the Soviet Union, the communist superpower that rivals America. American citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba or to do business there.

Today: Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba is still a communist country, and the American travel and trade embargo against Cuba still exists.

1950s: America is undergoing a Mambo craze. Even mainstream orchestras are including works with a Latin flavor into their repertoires.

1980s: America is undergoing alternative music craze to replace Mambo music, among others. Mambo music and dance are relics of the simpler times and are considered old-fashioned.

1950s: Dancing to live music is an ordinary way to spend an evening...