Samba

Background

When the Samba was imported from Brazil into the United States in 1929, it was first introduced to the dance master of New York. It became an overnight sensation. Like many other Brazilian dances, the music is an amalgamation of African and Latin American Rhythm that has come to be adorned with expressive melodic lines. In form, the samba is a serenade; the repetition of its melody is continually interrupted by the strumming of a guitar or other stringed instruments. The dance first became famous in Rio de Janeiro, and later its’ intoxicating rhythm was taken up by a serious Latin American composers. The Samba is festive and lighthearted, as performed today in all parts of the world. It brings to mind pictures of a Gala “Carnival IN Rio”. In its native land the test of time and still ranks high among social as well as competitive dancers.

Music and Tempo

The Bronze Samba music is usually written in 2/4 time (some are now written in 4/4 time), and should be played at a tempo of 52-56 measures per minute for examinations and competitions.

Style and Characteristics

The Samba is basically a Sport Dance. However, some progression will be made along the line of dance. Steps are generally quite compact, with the feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. At times slightly larger steps are taken when more progression is desired. The Samba is a dance with many contrasting movements. The basis of the dance is a controlled springy knee action, called the “Samba Pulse”. There is also a forward and back movement along with a circular motion of the upper body, which is called “pendulum motion”. In addition, the contrasting use of hip and rib-cage movement has developed the samba into a dance with many varied forms of expression.

Samba Pulse

Samba pulse is the basic characteristic of the dance and is the up and down feeling that is suggested in the music. The Basic Samba pulse action is described as follows:

                              &     Lift heel off floor with knees flexed

                              A     Straighten knees

                              1      Lower heel to the floor and flex knees slightly

                              &     lift heel off the floor and flex knees slightly

                              A     Straighten knees

                              2      Lower heel to the floor and flex knees slightly