How to Do a Basic Samba

The samba is the most complex of all Latin dances because of its many rhythms. It is also one of the most enjoyable due to its syncopated, natural "heart rhythm" beat. Social and competitive samba differs from its original roots in Brazilian samba in that it is more structured and simplified by comparison. Nevertheless, samba is a complex, rhythmical dance that requires focus and practice to master. The following is a basic routine you may utilize in your social or competitive endeavors, or for practice and warming up.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Well fitting clothes for dancing
• Shoes for Latin dancing
• Music (Samba)

1. Begin with man facing the wall, parallel to line of dance in dance position.

2. Perform two whisks starting to the left.

3. Follow with underarm turn and a whisk into promenade position.

4. Continue with three samba walks and perform a bota fogo on the fourth measure.

5. Do two bota fogos followed by two sets of voltas. Each set of voltas should have four voltas. You should now have traveled sufficiently down the line of dance and be ready to repeat the basic routine from the whisks.

Tips & Warnings

• The bota fogos are the hardest part of this routine, so rehearse those the most.
• Don't stop once you've finished the routine - practice looping it two or three times or more so you can be used to dancing it in public.
• Always practice slowly before attempting at full speed.

Resources

• National Dance Council of America
• USA Dance