How to Dance a Whisk in Samba
There are many different steps in Samba that can be performed, but the Whisk is one of the most basic and common. The Whisk in Samba is a good step to use as a “thinking” step between more complicated movements when you need to think about what to do next. It is often required as an entry step into other moves.The count for the Whisk in Samba is one-uh-two, three-uh-four. The ‘uh’ count is between beats. Hold counts one and three for three quarters of a beat, the uh count for one quarter of a beat, and two and four for a full beat. When reading these steps, the counts tell you which beats you are dancing on for this part of the step, and then you will read what to do with your feet.
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Instructions
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Man's Steps
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1
Stand in closed dance position on your right foot with your left foot free.
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2
On count one: step to the side on your left foot, putting all your weight on it.
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3
On count ‘uh’: place the ball of your right foot behind your left foot and change weight to it very briefly. Do not lower the heel (note: this is a quarter of a beat, so it is very fast).
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4
On count two: replace your weight to the left foot.
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5
On count three: step to the side on the right foot, putting all your weight on it.
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6
On count ‘uh’: place the ball of your left foot behind your right foot and change weight to it very briefly. Do not lower the heel (note: this is a quarter of a beat, so it is very fast).
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7
On count four: replace your weight to the right foot.
Woman's Steps
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8
Stand in closed dance position, on your left foot with your right foot free.
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9
On count one: step to the side on your right foot, putting all your weight on it.
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10
On count ‘uh’: place the ball of your left foot behind your right and change weight to it very briefly. Do not lower the heel (note: this is a quarter of a beat, so it is very fast).
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11
On count two: replace your weight to the right foot.
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12
On count three: step to the side on your left foot, putting all your weight on it.
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13
On count ‘uh’: place the ball of your right foot behind your left and change weight to it very briefly. Do not lower the heel (note: this is a quarter of a beat, so it is very fast).
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14
On count four: replace your weight to the left foot.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The music is very fast! Keep your steps small and do not lower your heel on the 'uh' count, and it will be easier to keep up.
Since both partners step back (away from each other) on the 'uh' count, both will need to straighten their elbows slightly as they move away. Do not let go or cheat by not moving your weight back or by turning on the 'uh' count.
This step can also be danced in open position, holding hands.
