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Learn About the
Samba
An American Rhythm Dance(International Latin Dance)
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The Samba is
a festive, celebration dance, danced in Rio de Janeiro during the
Carnival. The Dance was originally performed by African slaves and
was introduced into the United States at the 1939 New York World's
Fair. The Samba music has both a festive flare and a very pulsing,
provocative, primal feeling. With the merging of the Brazilian and
African cultures the Samba has become one of the most exciting
dances. It was popularized by the actress/dancer Carmen Miranda as
she danced on the stage with a fruit bowl on her head.
The Bosa Nova
is a slow variation of the that was popular briefly during the
1960's. The Samba has changed its speed significantly since the
1990’s, which originally was very fast and bouncy, the Brazilian
style. Today there is a slower, more rhythmical Cuban feel to the
Samba. There is both an American and an International style danced
competitively.
The Samba is
a strong and rhythmical dance, with some vertical bounce, tight hip
actions and ribcage isolations. The Samba is a very playful dance
with great partnership and solo elements. One of the most popular
and exciting of the Latin or Rhythm styles of dance. |
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Character:
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Fast, fun,
festive, and
rhythmical. Brazilian Waltz. South American style with
African rhythms.
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1. |
Progressive
or Spot Dance |
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2. |
Pulse
Action (Vertical Bounce), Pendulum, Rolling Actions (Rotando) |
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3. |
Subtle Hip
and Rib-Cage action |
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4. |
Na-Ni-Go
action (Forward & Back) and
Body Sway |
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5. |
Rocking
actions, chasses, crossing and walking steps |
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6. |
Solo
movements emphasized, kicks, flicks, ripples, spins, etc. |
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Footwork: |
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Ball/Flat
and balls throughout, toes turned out. Footwork for most
elements:
Ball/Flat
Ball Ball/Flat
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*Note 1.
Generally, steps using a numbered count are Ball/Flat. Steps using
an "a" are on the Balls of the feet and require a lift action. The
"a" count denotes a partial weight change.
*Note 2. And
on "Back" Rocking the heel does not lower. Also, when dancing Back Spot Turns (Natural
Tops) the right "hooking" should be placed with weight on ball of
foot only.
*Note 3.
When dancing forward or back "Chasses" or "Locks" the footwork is:
Forward - Ball/Flat, Ball, Ball/Flat
Backward - Ball, Ball/Flat, Ball/Flat |
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Tempo:
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American: 52 MPM
International: 48 - 50 MPM
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Count: |
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Samba Rhythm:
Count &
Beat Values:
1
a 2
3/4 1/4
1
1
a 2 a
3 a
4
3/4 1/4 3/4 1/4
3/4 1/4 1
Additional Count :
slow
quick quick
quick
quick slow
slow slow
quick quick quick
quick
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There
are various additional counts that can also be used in advanced
variations.
Whenever
the terms "a" or "ah" are used it means use 1/4 of a beat, and
use a bounce or lifting action. Whenever an "and" is used it
receives 1/2 of a beat, and has more hip action |
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This content is intended as general information and should
not be used in lieu of an actual dance class to learn the
aforementioned dance. |
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