Types of Dance ✦ Latin & Rhythm
Festive, rhythmic and full of joy, the Samba captures the spirit of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Its signature bounce and rolling hip action make it one of the most exciting Latin dances to watch and to dance. At VM Ballroom Dance Studios, we'll teach you the Samba bounce and the basic figures so you can bring a little Brazil to every party.
Prefer to talk? Call (321) 477-9959 or text (689) 334-0707
Samba is Brazil's national dance, rooted in African rhythms brought to Brazil and celebrated at Carnival. The ballroom Samba is a partner version that was refined in Europe in the 1920s–50s and is now one of the five International Latin dances. It travels around the floor, unlike most Latin dances, which stay in one place.
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Getting to know it
Samba music is in 2/4 time at about 100–104 beats per minute, with a distinctive syncopated rhythm. The most common count is "1-a-2," and the "samba bounce," a gentle, continuous flex of the knees and ankles, keeps time with the music.
The basic Samba steps are easy to learn, but the bounce action and syncopated rhythm take practice. Most students consider it an intermediate Latin dance, best learned after the Cha Cha or Rumba, but motivated beginners pick it up quickly.
On the playlist
A soft, rhythmic bend and straighten of the knees on every beat. It gives the Samba its signature lilting look.
Brazilian (Carnival) samba is usually danced solo with fast footwork. Ballroom Samba is a partner dance with set figures that travel around the floor.
Yes. The constant bounce and hip action make Samba a great cardio and core workout.
The "samba whisk" and "basic movement": a step and a quick weight change, counted 1-a-2, with the bounce on each beat.
Yes. Our instructors and group classes provide partners, and many Samba steps can be practiced solo.
Learn it with us
Book a Samba lesson at VM Ballroom Dance Studios in Lake Mary, FL. Call 321-477-9959.
New to the studio? Ask about our introductory offer for new students. And if you enjoy the Samba, you may also like the Cha Cha and Paso Doble.
Our Introductory OfferStart dancing
Tell us what you would like to dance and we will be in touch.
New Student Special ✦ VM Ballroom
Get your intro offer when you sign up — $79 for (2) private ½-hour lessons.
