Ballroom Samba has its origins in Brazil (but differs significantly from the Brazilian Samba varieties). It has a lively 'festival' feel to it, with lots of fast leg movement and sideways steps, making it very popular in social dances.

Samba is arguably Brazil's most famous export! It is fast and colourful and can be danced to most 2/4 and 4/4 time music. It has evolved into a Ballroom version (partnered) which includes movements from other forms of dances. It is danced on the ball of the feet with knees relaxed and slightly bent, and uses quick half-beat bounces (by bending and straightening the legs) while switching weight between the feet (e.g. 1-and-2, 1-and-2...).

Beginner Routine

Basic Step:

(1) Left foot forward;
(and) Right foot forward (closes with left, weight shifts to right foot);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Left foot;
(1) Right foot backward;
(and) Left foot backward (closes with right, weight shifts to left foot);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Right foot; (ready to repeat from the top)

Whisk:

All while facing forward:
(1) Left foot to the side;
(and) Right foot sweeps back behind left (knees bent, weight shifts to right foot);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Left foot;
(1) Right foot to the side;
(and) Left foot sweeps back behind right (knees bent, weight shifts to left foot);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Right foot; (ready to repeat from the top)

Samba Walk:

All while facing to the left:
(1) Left foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Right foot forward (closes with left, weight shifts to right foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Left foot;
(1) Right foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Left foot forward (closes with right, weight shifts to left foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Right foot; (ready to repeat from the top)

Samba Walk In A Circle:

With each step direction changes to the left (walks in a circle):
(1) (Change direction slightly left) Left foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Right foot forward (closes with left, weight shifts to right foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Left foot;
(1) (Change direction slightly left) Right foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Left foot forward (closes with right, weight shifts to left foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Right foot;
(1) (Change direction slightly left) Left foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Right foot forward (closes with left, weight shifts to right foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Left foot;
(1) (Change direction slightly left) Right foot forward (hips swing forward slightly exaggerated);
(and) Left foot forward (closes with right, weight shifts to left foot, hips swing backward straightening knees);
(2) Replace weight (back) on Right foot; (now facing front and ready to repeat from Basic Step)

Some Intermediate Steps

• Whisk with Lady's underarm turn
• Side Samba Walk
• Volta moves
• Bota Fogos
• Criss-Cross Bota Fogos