This national dance of Brazil became the rage of society in the 1930’s, but began as an exhibition dance in Paris in 1905. Movie star and singer, Carmen Miranda, is credited with making the Samba popular in the U.S. in the early 1940’s.
Today’s Samba music is influenced by Jazz and Latin rhythms. It is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The music is festive and fast paced with a sound associated with Rio’s Carnival. The basic count is “Slow a Slow” or “1 & 2”.
Walking Samba steps and side steps are the basic components of this dance. The major characteristic of the Samba is the vertical bounce action. Steps are taken using the ball of the foot.
Samba songs and artists include: