Samba Ballroom Dance

If you think that performing a dance to saucy, infectious music might be fun, consider Samba ballroom dancing.

Samba Ballroom Dancing

Although the ballroom version of the Samba is far removed from its origins, it does share some similarities.

First, a little history. The Samba originated in Brazil. There, it’s a folk dance. And traditionally, there are a set of dances rather than just one dance that define the Samba, which means that no one dance can be highlighted as the one “true” Samba. Several different dances might claim that title.

It’s believed that the Samba was developed in the late 19th Century. By the 1920s and 30s, it had become known internationally, which also coincides with its movement into international ballrooms as a ballroom dance.

The focus of Samba dancing isn’t partner dancing, as like that in ballroom, because the Samba is traditionally a solo dance and to make it a partner dance, some elements must change and evolve.

Some traditional Samba elements remain, however, even in partner Samba. These include the beat: Samba music has a tempo of about 100 beats per minute and the lively, infectious tunes that create Samba music can be found in many popular songs.

Whether a partner dance or a dance that’s performed solo, the Samba will include what’s known as the “Samba Bounce”, a movement that dancers do that provides a definite spring in the step. What makes it the “Samba Bounce” is how it’s done – it’s created by compressing and then straightening the knees. This creates the requisite bounce, and that’s absorbed in the pelvis or the lower torso of the body. It’s not about moving up and down, but rather providing the right bounce by controlling that movement.

The Samba is not a freeform dance. While it might be lively and energetic, there is a purpose and structure to the dance. It’s in 2/4 time but because there are three steps to every bar, the Samba can feel like a dance that’s timed ¾. It can also be danced in 4/4 time.

If you want to learn Samba, you must learn that requisite “Samba Bounce” as well as how to move quickly across the dance floor. This isn’t a dance for the faint of heart; it’s a fast, lively dance that takes energy. You can dance Samba in many ways as a solo dancer, but if you are determined to dance Samba ballroom-style, you have to add a partner, which is, of course, in contrast to the solo nature of the dance.

Because it’s so popular, many classes are offered that teach ballroom Samba. Make sure you find a teacher how can teach you how to turn this solo dance into a couples dance and make sure, as well, that you learn to really appreciate the music and let your body move to that music. Samba is part footwork and part finding a solid appreciation of the music. If you have one but not the other your Samba dancing might suffer as a result. Your partner should share the same qualities as well.