How To Dance Samba For Beginners (3 Samba Basic Steps)

Learn 3 Samba dance steps in the International Latin style below.

Samba is one of the most popular Ballroom dances with unique styling and technique. In this ultimate guide for beginners you will learn the most basic samba steps, as well learn about the character of this dance and more.

Men:

Forward with left foot
Close right foot to left foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the left foot

Back with the right foot
Close left foot to right foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the right foot

Women:

Back with the right foot
Close left foot to right foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the right foot

Forward with left foot
Close right foot to left foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the left foot

Men:

Side with the left foot
Cross right foot behind left foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the left foot foot

Side with the right foot
Cross left foot behind right foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the right foot foot

Women:

Side with the right foot
Cross left foot behind right foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the right foot foot

Side with the left foot
Cross right foot behind left foot (Put partial weight on it)
Replace weight on the left foot foot

The Samba music is phrased in counts of 8 and the basic rhythm of it is: 1 a 2, 3 a 4, 5 a 6, 7 a 8. The beat value is 3/4, 1/4, 1 (For each 3 steps). This means that you would hold the first step for 3/4 of a beat, then make a very quick step which is only a 1/4, and the last step is 1 full beat. There are many other timings in Samba including Slow, Quick, Quick and 1/2, 1/2,1 and 1,2,3 (all equal) and more.

The Ballroom style Samba got a lot of it’s character and influence from the Brazilian Samba. It has a very energetic dance with lots oh hip and body movement. One of the most important technical aspects of the Samba is that it uses what is called “bounce” technique where you bend and straighten your knees continuously through out the movements. Most of the beginner (Bronze level) moves all use this bounce technique.

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