From Brazil to the World! The rich history of the Samba goes back hundreds of years. "Cariocas" (Rio de Janeiro natives) celebrate Carnival season every February with the Samba. Did you know that in Rio, Samba is very often danced 'solo'! Celebrants will move along the parade route in very colorful costumes while dancing a solo Samba in the traditional "quick, quick, slow 'and' " rhythm.

So remember, while practicing the Basic step below, you're in authentic Carioca style. (Ladies! If you're dancing across the Living floor right now, remember you're the "Lead" not the "Follow". )

Samba music is in 2/4 time, meaning there are just two beats per measure of music. As one might suspect, there are many versions of the Samba, but commonly, the steps are done in triple time - meaning, three steps are taken in the Two beats - as One and Two. (Similar to the Cha Cha)

Tempo:
While the speed can vary widely, 52 is common in the USA, while 48-50 is more common worldwide. (much social dancing is done at the slower speeds.)
Music Time Signature:
2/4 and sometimes 4/4.
2/4: 2 counts per bar of 4 beats. Each 'count' being two beats long.
4/4: 4 counts per bar. Each count is one beat long.

Here's a little music for your practice sessions.
Listen to:
"One Note Samba"
"Brasil"
"Cico"
"Coco Jambo"
"Meditation"
"Samba Popuri"
"Tico Tico"
"Bambaleo"

  VIDEO: "Samba - Basic Box Step"   (Film Clip: dancevisionlasvegas ): This video shows a Samba Box Step, which is different from the Illustrated step below. However, we have included this version of the Basic Samba because it clearly demonstrates how the ONE BOX STEP... used with different musical rhythms can be used for the WALTZ, the SAMBA and of course for the RUMBA

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1. Left foot forward --- One
2. Right foot closes to left foot --- And
3. Left foot stays in place, weight transfers to it --- Two
4. Right foot back --- One
5. Left foot closes to the right foot --- And
6. Right foot stays in place, weight transfers to it --- Two

1. Right foot back --- One
2. Left foot closes to right foot --- And
3. Right foot stays in place, weight transfers to it --- Two
4. Left foot forward --- One
5. Right foot closes to the left foot --- And
6. Left foot stays in place, weight transfers to it --- Two

The 'Basic' Steps should be practiced until both partners are comfortable and can execute the pattern easily and without any stress. The picture on the left shows the basic Samba step for the Man, or "Lead". The Lady, or "Follow", executes the sames steps backwards (diagram shown just below the 'lead' above), starting on her Right foot.

And, on the Right is shown the "Amalgamation" of steps. For a Variation, the Lead can add a slight Left turn on steps One and Four.

The Samba - a gift from Brazil to the World - is both an easy dance to learn, fun to do on the dance floor. It's danced in the 'Closed Position', with the partners 30 - 60 CM (1 to 2 feet) apart. Do Not exaggerate the steps. Allow the hips to move naturally as a result of the straight leg and weight movements.

Samba music is quite fast so the dance steps should also be energetically short and quick. The dance's very distinctive Hip movement is created by using a 'straight' (but not locked) leg on the 'One' count. There is only a partial weight change on 'And' - done on the toe of the closing foot with the knee bent.

Finally the weight is shifted fully back to the 'Straight' (still not locked) Foot on the 'Two' count. There is very little 'bounce' to the Samba. Straight legs and weight changes are used to achieve the elegant Samba dance movement.

Advanced:
Once you feel comfortable with the basic Samba Step, you'll want to follow up at the local Dance Club or Studio. You can look forward to such delightful steps as the Samba Walk, the Samba Whisk, Traveling Voltas, Samba Side Steps and Samba Struts.