Samba is a Latin type of dance which came from Brazil. Still, we do not usually dance in ballrooms in the United States and in Europe the Samba in its originality. In Brazil, Samba is done solo as a carnival dance. The way we dance it, is as a dynamic partner dance, in which there is body action and fast leg movements.
Samba dancers when competing usually use sexy costumes which are shiny decorated using rhinestones, while the dancers themselves cover in deep makeup. If you doing social dancing, simply wear whatever you find comfortable, so you can move freely. You are recommended to wear dance shoes even if the dance floor does not require them. Normal shoes which have soles is viable to cause damage to your leg joints.
Samba has a basic four counts which are best described as “one-and-two, three-and-four”. The ‘and’ count is in between the other beats. Therefore, count one and count three are held three quarters of a musical beat, while the ‘and’ count is held for a quarter of a musical beat. Meanwhile, counts two and four are each held for a full musical beat.
The tempo for Samba music is quite fast. You need to take small steps and keep the balls of your feet on floor with knees bent. Remember not to lower heel on the ‘and’ count to keep up pace.
Although there are many steps in Samba, the general steps are forward and back basic step. The steps are similar for both male and female, we only write the male part. The female partner needs only to follow in the other order, starting with right foot following the male and moving with him.
Samba Forward and Back for Male Partner.
Count 1: Step forward with left foot. Put weight on it.
Count and: Bring right foot to left. Then, shift your weight to balls only of your right foot. Remember not to lower your heel.
Count 2: Replace weight on left foot.
Count 3: Step back with right foot. Put weight on your right foot.
Count and: Bring left foot to right. Then, shift your weight to the balls only of your left foot. Remember not to lower your heel.
Count 4: Replace the weight on right foot.
We believe that this simple steps will let you have fun in learning and dancing Samba!