Get Ready to Samba in Rio!

The samba is a Brazilian music and dance style that actually originated in Africa and was brought to Latin America in the 16^th century.  It has become a symbol around the world for Brazil and its Carnival.

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars and think there is just one style of samba…then think again!  There are a wide variety of styles of the music genre and just as wide a variety of dances.  And the ballroom samba is significantly different from all the others.

No partner is needed to dance the samba.  The Samba no pé is a common solo dance whenever samba music is played.  The basic movement involves a straight body and bending one knee at a time.  Another solo dance, Samba Axé, originated at the 1992 Brazilian Carnival and is designed to follow lyrics, so there is no set routine or steps.

One partner dance, Samba de Gafieira, appeared in the 1940s in urban nightclubs.  Another partner dance, Samba Pagode, has less acrobatic movements and tends to be more intimate. 

The most traditional Afro-Brazilian dance is the Samba de Roda brought to Latin America in the 17^th century by Bantu slaves (also called Semba).  In the indigenous language, "samba" means roda de dança, or a circle to dance as the indigenous people danced in celebration on many occasions.

But it is the samba developed in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century that has become the musical expression of modern day urban Rio.  Portuguese Brazilian actress Carmen Miranda helped popularize the samba internationally.

Samba school performing in Rio Carnival

In Rio, samba schools are widely popular.  They are actually more like a dancing club or guild in a neighborhood or community, and they rehearse all year long to perform in the Carnival parade.

Rio is home to over 100 samba schools, with only 12 making it to the Elite or Special Group, a place of pride for many. These groups are what has made the Rio Carnival the biggest event on the planet with their incredible parades and lavish costumes. Many of the top samba schools have over four thousand participants with each one having a specific role to play in the samba parade.

Want to spend some time practicing?  Here are a series of samba dance steps for beginners.  Happy feet!