How to Dance Samba Walks

Samba is a fun and challenging Latin dance that has many different steps. It is very fast, so you tend to go through steps rather quickly. Because of this, it is a good idea to learn quite a few steps so it does not get too repetitive. The Samba Walks is a step that is often used to lead into other steps, although it is also danced all by itself, so it is a step everyone who dances Samba should know.Samba Walks starts in promenade position. The partners walk forward together in promenade position before facing each other again. Samba Walks is generally preceded by a Whisk.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand in promenade dance position on your right foot, with your left foot free. The steps described here are for the man--see the Tips section for the woman's part.

2. Step forward on your left foot on the count of "1."

3. Stretch your right leg back and point with the toe of your right foot on the count of "and." Do not lower the heel.

4. Use the toe of your right foot to pull your left foot back about an inch, keeping your weight on your left foot. This occurs on count "2."

5. Step forward on your right foot on the count of "3."

6. Stretch your left leg back and point with the toe of your left foot on the count of "and." Do not lower the heel.

7. Use the toe of your left foot to pull your right foot back about an inch, keeping your weight on your right foot. This occurs on count "4."

8. Step forward on your left foot on count "5."

9. Stretch your right leg back and point with the toe of your right foot on the count of "and." Do not lower the heel.

10. Use the toe of your right foot to pull your left foot back about an inch, keeping your weight on your left foot. This occurs on count "6."

11. Step forward on your right foot on count "7."

12. Take a small step to the side on the ball of your left foot on the count of "and." Do not lower the heel.

13. Bring your right foot to your left and change weight to your right foot on count "8."

Tips & Warnings

• The woman dances the same steps as the man, but on the opposite foot—start forward on your right foot and follow the man.
• The count for Samba Walks is "1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8." The "and" count falls between beats. In this rhythm, counts "1," "3," "5" and "7" are held for three quarters of a beat, the "and" counts are held for one quarter of a beat, and counts "2," "4," "6" and "8" are one full beat apiece.
• Promenade dance position: lady’s right hand in the man’s left, held at about eye level; man’s right hand on lady’s left shoulder blade (under her left arm); lady’s left hand flat on the man’s back, just behind his shoulder. Both partners are facing forward with their feet, bodies angled slightly toward each other.
• Take all steps in Samba with the ball of the foot first, and then lower the heel--unless you are stepping on the "and" count. The heel should never lower on the "and" count because it will slow you down and you will fall behind the music.