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Free samba lessons & introduction!The Samba originates from Brazil and is that country's official dance. The Samba is danced as a festival dance during the street festivals and parades. When one sees pictures of people dancing at Carnival in Rio, it is the Samba. A Samba dancer is known in Brazil as a Sambista.Samba Learning AreaThe MovesThe footwork timing is called out: 1-a-2, 2-a-2. The Samba dance has a "Samba Bounce" action.<< Back to top The MusicSamba music has a tempo of about 100 beats per minute (50 measures per minute).Click on the link below for examples of Samba songs and CD's which feature Samba music. Samba Music Examples >> << Back to top HistoryThe Samba that is danced in Brazil is a folk dance, also called the folk Samba, or the Batuque. The Samba became popular internationally in the 1920's and 30's and was stylized and made to have danceable patterns by ballroom dancers for use in partner dancing. In International style Latin dancing, the Samba is one of the five Latin competition dances. In Brazil, the form of Samba is more of a single person dance. The music has an joyful contagious rhythm and Samba rhythm can be found in many top 40 songs. The festive style and mood of the dance has kept it alive and popular.Walter Laird with partner Lorraine developed the Samba partner dance as we know it today. << Back to top
At this point, your brain is "freed up" to allow learning steps and patterns because you no longer have to concentrate on timing and step counting. Many folks get frustrated if they can't dance competently immediately. Certainly individuals vary in dance aptitude, but all dancers must go through the awkward stages before they get to the polished stage. |