Samba

Samba is a lively dance of Brazilian origin. It's a popular party dance, characterized by simple forward and backward steps and rhythmic hip movements.

• Basic steps
• Instructions & Diagrams
• Video
• Recommended Video Lessons »

Quick intro

Samba is the national dance of Brazil, some say the spirit and soul of the country. In Brazil, it is a solo dance, performed at street festivals and carnivals. Ballroom samba, on the other hand, is a partner dance that has little in common with the original form.

Although in Brazil samba remains a solo form, in other countries it evolved into a partner dance and was standardized as a ballroom dance in 1956. Today it's one of the most common Latin American dances.

Many versions of samba exist - Carnivale, Mesemba, Carioca, Batucado, Conga, just to name a few. Here we'll focus on the ballroom version, quite popular in North America and Europe, with both the younger and older generations.

Basic steps

Ballroom samba is usually danced to music written in 2/4 time, meaning there are two beats in each measure. The basic box step consist of three steps. This means that three steps are performed in two beats of music.

The basic rhythm is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, commonly described as "one, uh two", "three, uh four", and so on. Usually you count 8 beats before resuming the count.

The most characteristic element of samba is probably the so called samba bounce, which is achieved through rhythmic bending and straightening of the knees. See the video below for detailed explanation.

Instructions & Diagrams:

Ballroom samba is danced in a closed position, with partners slightly apart. The lady's right hand and the man's left hand are held about the lady's eye level. The man's right hand is placed on the lady's shoulder blade. The lady's left hand is placed flat on the man's back.

Basic step is a very simple box step. Remember, the rhythm is 1-uh-2, 3-uh-4...

Basic Steps for Men

1. Step forward with your left foot (count 1)
2. Move your right foot to your left foot (uh)
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 2)
4. Step backward with your right foot (count 3)
5. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh)
6. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4)

Basic Steps for Ladies

1. Step backward with your right foot (count 1)
2. Move your left foot to your right foot (uh)
3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 2)
4. Step forward with your left foot (count 3)
5. Move your right foot to your left foot (uh)
6. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (count 4)

Video