Beginners Guide to the Iconic Samba Dance
With Jason and Kristina of Strictly Come Dancing’s current Famous Five performing the Samba in this year’s semi-finals under the exacting gaze of judge Craig Revel Horwood, I thought it a good idea to outline the important basics of what makes this fabulous Latin dance style so exciting and iconic.
History
The Samba was developed in Brazil during the 19th century, it is considered a dance of celebration and joy. Samba dancers are known as a Sambista. Although the dance was first introduced in 1917, it wasn’t adopted by Brazil as a ballroom dance until 1930.
The tradition in Brazilian Samba dancing is that it’s generally performed as a dance solo, and this art is especially popular during their famous Carnival celebrations. It is the evocative, festive mood of the dance that has seen it retain its popularity.
When it comes to International style Latin dancing, the Samba is one of the five main Latin competition dances. Ballroom partner Samba is now one of the most popular Latin dances in ballroom competitions and is made up of many different South American dances combined into one.
Defining Samba Characteristics
As with the original solo Samba, partner ballroom Samba is characterised by a fast tempo that requires quick footwork. Essentially, the main method of the Samba dance is to take rapid steps on quarter beats combined with a sensual, swaying motion. Termed the “Samba Bounce Action”, this rhythmic movement felt through the knees and ankles is what gives the dance its unique look and feel.
Samba dancers strive to make this bounce action appear effortless and carefree rather than exaggerated, which is not the easiest feat. The core footwork of the Samba includes fast, three-step weight changes with a slight knee lift, led with alternating feet. The basic tempo is “quick, quick, slow”. Distinctive steps include such terms as Voltas, Bota Fogos and the Samba Strut
The Samba is also characterised by building to a dramatic climax, which .concludes with dancers throwing back their heads and extending their arms out to the sides.
Samba Music
Samba music has a rich, distinctive rhythm. It is highlighted by original Brazilian musical instruments such as the cabaca, chocalho, reco-reco and tamborim.
The Samba is generally performed to a musical tempo of around 100 beats per minute. This fast and energetic rhythm encourages the spontaneous dancing that has made it so popular with the public in the streets during Carnival celebrations.
Conclusion
While the Samba is a seemingly carefree dance as seen during Carnival, its true art is not the simplest thing to get a handle on. While the likes of Craig Revel Horwood might make this dance form seem fluidly effortless, mastery requires practise. It will be interesting to see how Jason and Kristina pull it off in this year’s Strictly semi-finals.
Author Bio: Rio Spelling – choreography and dance enthusiast.
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