How to Dance an Extended Box in Samba

One of the fun things about Samba is that it is a Latin dance that can be danced either in one spot or it can travel around the floor. Samba dancers can keep things interesting by dancing in place for a while, then moving to another spot to dance, then taking a lap around the floor. The Extended Box in Samba is one of the first steps you learn in the dance that travels a little bit, because it is relatively simple to learn.

The Extended Box in Samba can either be danced in a relatively small area by facing the same direction throughout the step, or it can be used to travel by turning one-quarter to the left on count 1 and one-half turn to the left on count 5.

Tips

The woman dances the same steps as the man, but in the opposite order; start back on your right foot and follow the man.

The count for the Extended Box in Samba is 1-uh-2-uh-3-uh-4,5-uh-6-uh-7-uh-8. The 'uh' count falls between beats. When you count this way, counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are held for three quarters of a beat, while the uh count is held for one quarter of a beat and counts 4 and 8 are one full beat apiece.

Take all steps in Samba with the ball of the foot first, and then lower the heel unless you are stepping on the 'uh' count. Never lower your heel on the 'uh' count, because you will fall behind the music.

Dance this pattern in either open or closed dance position. To take closed position, place woman's right hand in the man's left, and hold them at about the woman's eye level. Place the man's right hand under the woman's left arm on her shoulder blade. The woman places her left hand just behind the man's shoulder, flat on his back. Both partners should keep their elbows in front of their bodies so there is space between them.

Man's steps (woman does the opposite)

Count 1: Step forward on your left foot.

Count uh: Step to the side on the ball of your right foot. Do not lower your heel.

Count 2: Bring your left foot to your right and change weight to your left foot.

Counts uh 3, uh 4: Repeat the last two steps.

Count 5: Step back on your right foot.

Count uh: Step to the side on the ball of your left foot. Do not lower your heel.

Count 6: Bring your right foot to your left and change weight to your right foot.

Counts uh 7, uh 8: Repeat the above two steps.