The Samba

Dance Summary Type: Latin American Rhythm Character: Samba bounce, syncopated Music: African, Latin (syncopated, 4/4) In Short: Samba is a very energetic dance, impressive to watch but difficult for beginners to pick up
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Maintain a concentrated round frame, keeping elbows up and level from one side to the next and maintaining a forward posture towards your partner. Keep shoulders slightly forward of the torso, and maintain a solid but not rigid connection with your partner. The man's left hand should be at or just above the lady's eye level and his right centered on her shoulder blade. The lady's left hand should oppose the man's right shoulder. Partner's heads should be directed towards one another. Do not arch your back or look at your feet when dancing.
Notes on Footwork All steps should be taken on the inside edge of the balls of the feet in order to facilitate a stop-and-go sort of motion as well as cuban hip motion, no more than shoulder width when stepping to the side and heel to toe when stepping forwards and backwards. Latin dances employ sudden quicks and lingering slows to produce stocatto movement around the floor. Feet should always be in contact with the floor.
Notes on Movement Generally Latin dances such at this will be contained and circular, aside from a few patterns which allow for more travel. Higher level dancers will travel more than beginning dancers. There are no rules for travel in this dance. Simply be considerate of others on the floor, being careful to allow adequate space for any patterns performed.

History of the Samba

Modern Samba is the result of a synthesis of a number of different styles of dance which have arisen over the years. Its beginnings can be traced back to such dances as Caterete, Batuque, and Embolada which came through the Portuguese slave trade in Africa in the 16th century. In the 1830’s, these styles were blended with the indigenous Lundu, after which a series of formalized steps were added, and the dance took on more "proper" form for the high society of Rio. First known as "Mesemba," it is likely that the name gradually morphed into its present form of "Samba."

A form of Samba known as Carioca revived in the U.K. in the early 20th century and made its way to the U.S. only a few years later. Well known figures such as Fred Astaire and Carmen Miranda helped to create the international interest Samba knows today. The dance was finally formalized by Pierre Lavelle in 1956.

The Samba is danced to 4/4 music, and the majority of steps are done on a two count, creating a sudden snapping together of the feet and a quick tic of the hip. It is characterized by a unique combination of abrupt and smooth motion and is typically danced to modernized African styles of music in which the dance has its origins.

Practice Points

After learning the basic box in another more beginner-friendly dance such as the Rumba, practice stepping through the basic very slowly, being sure to hold the second step until immediately before the third (e.g. the beat between the major and minor beats). Begin listening to Samba music in order to identify when this beat occurs, and go through the steps mentally to get a picture of what the dance ought to eventually look like. Practice the bounce by standing in place and flexing the knees on each major beat while rising out of the flexed position on each minor beat.

Recommendations

The Samba is an especially vibrant dance for its combination of energetic bounces with smooth hip tics. It is a great investment for those looking to lose a few pounds, although its social appeal is average at best due to its rather exotic nature and difficulty. Beginners would do best to learn other Latin dances such as the Rumba and Cha Cha before venturing into the Samba, only beginning the latter once a proper foundation in Latin technique has been laid.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs

Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances

Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events