How to Dance Voltas in Samba
Samba is a fun, fast Latin dance that either be danced in one spot or by traveling around the dance floor. While dancing the Samba, you can mix things up by dancing in place for a few steps, dancing your way to another spot and dancing around the floor. The Voltas in Samba are a great way to move around the floor and showcase the samba action with your body and hips.Voltas in Samba can either be danced back and forth in one spot, or you can turn a half-turn on count 5 to travel down the floor. There are several variations on Voltas to use them in different ways. These instructions are for just one of these variations.
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Instructions
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Man's steps
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1
Step forward on your left foot on count 1.
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2
Take a small step to the side on the ball of your right foot on count "uh." Do not lower the heel.
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3
Bring your left foot across your right and change weight to your left foot on count 2. This cross should be very small.
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4
Repeat steps two and three for counts "uh 3" and "uh 4."
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5
Step back on your right foot on count 5.
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6
Take a small step to the side on the ball of your left foot on count "uh." Do not lower the heel.
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7
Bring your right foot across your left and change weight to your right foot on count 6. This cross should be very small.
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8
Repeat steps six and seven for counts "uh 7" and "uh 8."
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1
Tips & Warnings
The lady dances the same steps as the man, but in the opposite order—start back on your right foot and follow the man.
The count for the Voltas in Samba is 1-uh-2-uh-3-uh-4,5-uh-6-uh-7-uh-8. The "uh" count falls between beats. In this rhythm, counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are held for three quarters of a beat, the "uh" count is held one quarter of a beat, and counts 4 and 8 are one full beat apiece.
Take all steps in Samba with the ball of the foot first, and then lower the heel unless you are stepping on the "uh" count. The heel should never lower on the ‘uh’ count because it will slow you down and you will fall behind the music.
Start in closed 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. The elbows should be in front of the body so there is space between the partners. You can also dance this step in open position, holding either one hand or two.
