Samba is a Brazilian dance, also known as the "Brazilian waltz". It is a sensual and lively dance, known for the sexy movements of the hips. Samba is danced in 2/4 time, so it's a fun, upbeat ballroom dance for couples.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Assuming the Right Position
Step 1. Get into a closed pair position
In this case, the members of the couple huddle together while facing each other. The leader, usually the man, places his right hand on the upper back of the person following him, often a woman. The leader holds the woman's right hand in his left hand, roughly level with her partner's eye. The woman rests her left arm along the man's, placing her hand on the leader's shoulder. The leader's right hand is placed along the woman's shoulder blade. The woman's arm rests on the man's. Both arms will be perpendicular to the floor.
Step 2. Feel the rhythm
Samba has a very specific rhythm. Count the steps like this: 1-ah-2, 2-ah-2, or 3-ah-4. Take 3 steps in 2 measures.
The second step, here indicated as "ah", is fast. To do this, you will only need to place part of your weight on your foot. This makes the rhythm of the samba "boom-ba-boom"
Step 3. Learn the technique called samba bounce
Your position will not be fixed as you take the steps. By running them, you need to add some kind of bounce. As you step back and forth, lift your feet as if you are stepping on an object, such as a log or pencil. Keep your upper torso relatively straight and your knees bent. As you begin to count and perform the first step, bend your knee, as if you are stepping on an object. As you bring your legs together, keep your knees soft and slightly bent as you shift your weight.
It is a flowing movement. As you move back and forth, it is as if you lift yourself slightly. As you perform the steps, your body should bounce slightly
Step 4. Look in front of you
When you engage in a Latin American ballroom dance, look straight ahead. The head should be straight on the shoulders and hips. The nose and shoulders should be in line with the toes.
Look over your partner's shoulder. This helps you to have a focus while dancing
Part 2 of 3: Basic Steps
Step 1. Start counting
When each step is performed and counted, the members of the couple must perform them simultaneously, but in a mirror image. When the man takes a step forward, the woman has to take a step back. When the man uses his left foot, the woman uses his right foot.
- If leading the dance, step forward with your left foot to begin. Count 1.
- If you follow the leader, step back with your right foot to start. Count 1..
- Remember to bounce slightly. Bend your knees and keep them flexible as you take the steps.
Step 2. Engage the other foot for the ah-2 steps
The next step, which is ah, is fast. Bring the other foot right next to the one you moved in the previous step. Shift your weight to the other foot, making sure you are not exerting full pressure on it. Then, when you perform step 2, completely transfer the weight back to the first foot. This must be done quickly.
- As you complete the ah-2 steps, your feet will appear to be marching.
- The weight will be shifted back to the foot you started with.
- If you are the leader, you will bring your right foot forward, next to your left, and then shift your partial body weight to the right foot during step ah.
- If you follow the leader, you will bring your left foot back, next to your right, and then shift your partial body weight to the left during step ah.
- As you bounce left and right, let your hips sway, but keep your torso still.
- This should bring you back to the neutral starting position.
Step 3. Reverse the steps
Complete the same sequence and number of steps, but this time reverse them. The leader will retreat and the person following him will advance.
- If you lead the pair, step back with your right foot, then bring your left foot next to it. Quickly shift your weight onto your left foot during step ah, then return it to your right during step 2.
- If you follow the leader, step forward with your left foot, then bring your right next to him. Shift your body weight to the right foot during step ah, then return it to the left foot during step 2.
- When stepping with your left foot, be sure to rest your forefoot flat on the floor. As you step ah, apply gentle pressure to your right forefoot. When you take another step with your left foot, you need to be sure to keep the forefoot flat.
Step 4. Add a side step
Once you have mastered the basic steps and learned the inverted poses, you can add another step to the sequence, in this case sideways. It is exactly the same as the basic one and its inverted version, except that instead of moving back and forth, you move left and right.
- Start from the same closed torque position. If you are the man, start by taking a step to the right by counting 1; if you are a woman, take a step to the left. Bring your other foot closer so that it is next to the one you are driving.
- If you are the man, you will need to bring your left foot closer and partially shift your weight onto it during step ah. If you are the woman, you will need to bring your right foot closer. Transfer your weight back to the leading foot during step 2.
- Perform the side step in the opposite direction. If you are the man, you will take one step to the left when you count 1; if you are the woman, you will take one step to the right. Complete the same steps.
Step 5. Practice
Listen to some samba and repeat these steps until they are automatic to you.
Part 3 of 3: Adding Advanced Moves
Step 1. Move on to the basic progressive movement
It is a combination of the normal basic step and the lateral basic step. Start by performing one step of the basic movement, then, after completing it, take a side step, instead of continuing with the sequence of the first movement. This allows you to walk the dance floor.
Step 2. Learn the whisk step
It is a variation of the basic side step. Instead of putting your other foot next to the one that leads, you bring it behind you.
- If you are the man, step to the right as you count 1. Bring your left foot diagonally behind the one leading. During step ah, transfer some weight to the foot that is diagonally behind the right foot, then return the full weight to the right foot.
- If you are the woman, step to the left when you count 1. Bring your right foot behind your left foot, placing it diagonally. Partially shift your weight to your right foot as you count ah, then return it fully to your left foot.
- When you change directions, you will need to step with the foot diagonally on the back. This step will be a little broader than the basic one.
- Remember not to put weight on your back foot. You don't just have to put your foot on your toes, but shift your weight from foot to foot. This step is also a kind of march.
Step 3. Try the static samba walk
This movement is completed in the closed torque position; contrary to the previous passages, when the members of the couple shook only one hand, in this case they grab both of them. The arms are extended. The leader extends his left leg behind him, while the person following him extends his right leg behind him. The inside leg maintains stability. The members of the couple do not move, they remain in a fixed area.
- Bring the extended leg backward to meet the stabilizing leg; do it while counting 1. The man will bring his left leg forward, while the woman will bring his right leg forward. The arms will bend slightly as the 2 bodies get closer and closer.
- Step back with the opposite foot, keeping the toe turned outward as you count ah. The weight should rest partially on the rear foot.
- As you count 2, slide the inner foot and that maintains stability about 8 cm, putting all your weight back on it.
- Step in and repeat the same sequence on the other side.
Step 4. Do the samba walk
It is a moving sequence, made in a very similar way to the fixed samba walk, but in a promenade position. This position is very similar to that of a closed pair, except that it forms a V. The left flank of the leader and the right flank of the person following him should be turned slightly outwards. The opposite sides will be closed. For this movement, start with the outer leg placing it diagonally behind the inner and stabilizing leg.
- Bring the back leg forward, in front of the inside, as you count 1. During the ah step, bring the inside leg back, with the toe turned out. You should transfer some of your weight to this leg. If you are the man, you will start by stepping forward with your left leg, then bringing your right leg back. If you are the woman, you will use your legs in the opposite way.
- When you count 2, slide your front leg back 8 cm, then transfer all your weight into it.
- When you count 1, step the back leg forward, then step back with the other leg during step ah. Make sure your toe is pointing outward and only partially shift your weight. If you are the man, you will start by stepping forward with your right leg; if you are the woman, you will start with the left.
- Slide your front leg back about 8 cm during step 2, then transfer your weight to it. This completes the movement for both legs.
- As you complete this movement, you should move slightly across the dance floor.
