Samba
The Bronze · Bronze · International Latin
- Time signature
- 2/4
- Tempo — studio
- 50–52 MPM
- Tempo — NDCA
- 50–52 MPM
- Count
- 1 a 2 · S a S
Rhythm varies by figure — 1 a 2 · 1 2 · 1 & 2 · 1 & 2 & 1 & 2 · 1 a 2 a 1 a 2. May be counted in Ss and Qs.
Origin
Brazil’s national dance, from Afro-Brazilian roots — standardized as a lively, travelling Latin dance built on a characteristic bounce.
Music
2/4 time — a bouncing, driving rhythm.
Character
Buoyant and festive — the Samba bounce and travelling voltas of Carnival.
Figures
- 1
Basic Movements (Natural, Reverse, Side, Progressive)
- 2
Whisks to Left and Right
- 3
Samba Walks (Promenade, Side, Stationary)
- 4
Rhythm Bounce
- 5
Volta Movements (Left & Right)
- 6
Travelling Bota Fogos Forward
- 7
Criss Cross Bota Fogos
- 8
Travelling Bota Fogos Back
- 9
Bota Fogos to PP and CPP
- 10
Criss Cross Voltas
- 11
Solo Spot Voltas
- 12
Foot Changes
- 13
Shadow Travelling Voltas
- 14
Reverse Turn
- 15
Corta Jaca
- 16
Closed Rocks
Elsewhere in The Bronze
Want to learn the Samba?
Every figure on this page is taught in the studio, one lesson at a time.