Rhythm and Latin Samba-
Popular dances for Social and Wedding Dance
The Samba, a Brazilian bombshell of a dance. This sexy scintillating dance is related to the solo Carnival version danced today. Banned by the Church of its day for the touching of navels, this jubilant and joyful dance bounced its way into popularity. I have had fun over the years teaching line dance and wedding dance versions of the Samba.
Latin Samba History:
The Samba began with the African slaves brought by the Portuguese to Brazil in the early 1800’s. By the mid 1800’s the Copacabana influenced Batuque and it was accepted by upper class society. By 1885 the Maxixe (link) was born out of the polka and the zumba.
The Maxixe then made its way to America in 1910. By 1917 the partnership Samba was taking off. In 1923 the French got a hold of it and produced a manual on how to dance the Samba by 1927. Then it’s popularity took off with the Fred Astaire movie, “Flying Down to Rio” in 1933.
The New York Society of teachers then sponsored a Samba exhibition in 1938. In 1941,“That night in Rio”, Carmen Miranda (the highest paid female actress of her time) danced the Samba.
Princess Margaret turned heads In 1950 with her avid Samba dancing adding royal approval to the dance. Even Ricardo Montalban took his turn teaching Lana Turner the Samba in the 1953 film, “Latin Lovers”
About Latin Samba
Samba is a gay and lighthearted dance. The Samba is danced to 2/4 or 4/4 time music with syncopated rhythms at 96-104 beats per minute. The basic Rhythm is 1&2, or a1, a2. It is characterized by a bounce action. This is created by the bending and straightening of the knees. The foot work allows for a partial weight step on the upbeat, or &. A wide Latin frame to allow space for the hips to move as it travels counter clockwise around the room.
Samba Overview:
- A bouncy and fun dance
- From African slaves in Brazil
- The Partnership form of the Solo Carnival dance
- 2/4 or 4/4 time music at 96-104 beats per minute
- Syncopated rhythms
- The basic Rhythm is 1&2,
- Partial weight step on the upbeat, or &.
- Made popular by Fred Astaire & Carmen Miranda
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