How to Learn Samba

The Brazilian folk dance, the Samba, is also known as the Batuque. Its popularity boomed in the '40s when it became vastly popular in the United States. At the root of this Brazilian dance are exciting Latin undertones which give it a very popular flair for ballroom scenes and even nightclubs. Everywhere you go in the music world, everybody's talking about the Samba.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cable television
• Library card

1. Search online dance websites that give the history of the Samba dance and the culture of its originators. A good site to visit is samba music. Websites offer extensive information on learning the Samba.

2. Visit your local city library to read about African and Latin culture, the roots of Samba dancing. Check out videos that will give you even information about Samba. You may even find a Samba dance steps video or book.

3. Study the basic musical composition of Samba music. It is written in 2/4 or 4/4th time and lends itself to an upbeat, fast, cheerful and quick-paced time.

4. Find pictures or photographs about the Samba on the internet to use as a guide. Also research information about Samba carnivals that are very popular in places like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.

5. Join a local dance school that specializes in Latin or African dancing. Samba dance lessons will give you great hands-on experience and you'll learn the Samba in no time!

6. Watch the Learning Channel or the History channel Samba or Latin dance specials on cable television to learn about the Samba lifestyle.

Tips & Warnings

• Cable channels vary from state-to-state, so be sure to check when your network is airing information on Latin or African society and lifestyles.

Resources

• Information on the history of Samba music can be found at sambamusic.com.
• Information on the carnival culture of Samba can be found at sambacity.com.

[pablo2008]

on 3/17/2008 The basic step of Samba dance is based in the three stroke syncopation rhythm.
This is true for dancing as well as for playing on Samba instruments such as the tambourine.
With the starter front position with the two feet together, move the left foot backward balancing back and mark one, then with your right (which is already in front) mark 2 and then with your left foot mark 3.
Try to move your foots horizontal to the floor and always going backward.
Then when you are familiar you can move forward and to the side's circles, etc
Add some music to add rhythm and speed.
With time, check how the professional dancers (passistas) dance because they add variations, knee works, improvising (floreos), etc
A good source for this is youtube.com, there you can see videos about Samba dance and drum sections as well.
Keep in mind that this is the basic step, and, you may have to take some cla