Samba


Samba originates from Brazil where it is a national dance. Many versions of the Samba -from Baion (pronounce: Bajao) to Marcha- are danced at the local carnaval in Rio. To achieve the true character of the Samba a dancer must give it a gay, flirtatious and exuberant interpretation. Many figures, used in the Samba today, require a pelvic tilt action. This action is difficult to accomplish, but without it the dance loses much of its effect.

Before 1914 it was known under a Brazilian name "Maxixe" . The first attempts of introducing samba to European ballrooms are dated 1923-24, but it was after the World War II when samba became a popular dance in Europe.

Samba has a very specific rhytm, highlighted to its best by characteristic Brazilian musical instruments: originally called tamborim, chocalho, reco-reco and cabaca.

Syllabus:

Bronze

  • Alternative basic: natural & reverse
  • Basic movement: natural and reverse
  • Bota fogos to PP and CPP
  • Lady's spot volta
  • Outside basic
  • Progressive basic
  • Reverse turn
  • Rhythm bounce
  • Samba walks in PP
  • Side basic
  • Travelling bota fogos: forward & backward
  • Voltas to R & L
  • Whisks

Silver

  • Argentine crosses
  • Closed rocks
  • Shadow bota fogos
  • Side samba walk
  • Volta movements (Criss cross, Maypole, spot volta)

Gold

  • Back rocks
  • Contra bota fogos
  • Cruzado walks in shadow position
  • Foot changes
  • Natural roll
  • Open rocks
  • Plait
  • Promenade & counter promenade runs
  • Rolling off the arm
  • Stationary samba walks
  • Travelling locks in open CPP
  • Volta movements (Closed volta, Traveling and circular voltas in R shadow position, Roundabout)

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