Samba: How to Dance a Forward and Back Basic Step

Samba is a dance that originated in Brazil; however, the Samba that we dance in ballrooms all over America and Europe is nothing like the original. In its native country, Samba is a carnival dance, performed solo. On the ballroom floor, it is a dynamic partner dance that is characterized by an undulating body action and fast leg movements. Samba is sexy and exciting to watch or dance. The music ranges from light and airy to heavy and pulsating. Ballroom dancers competing in Samba wear sexy, revealing costumes that are covered in rhinestones and plenty of makeup. However, if you are just social dancing you can wear anything comfortable that allows you to move freely-as long as your outfit is within the dance studio's dress code. It is recommended that you wear dance shoes with suede soles whether the studio requires it or not. They are made to help your dancing-and shoes with soles that grip the floor can cause a lot of damage to your joints.

The count for the Samba forward and back basic step is one-uh-two, three-uh-four. The 'uh' count falls between beats. In this rhythm, counts one and three are held for three quarters of a beat, the uh count is held one quarter of a beat, and counts two and four are one full beat apiece.

The music is quite fast! Use small steps and remember not to lower your heel on the 'uh' count so you can keep up.

As always, be sure to consult your doctor before you start a new physical activity.

Man's basic Samba steps

Start with your left foot free, standing on your right foot.

Count 1: step forward with your left foot, putting your weight on it.

Count uh: bring your right foot to your left. Shift weight to the ball only of the right foot-do not lower the heel.

Count 2: replace the weight on your left foot.

Count 3: step back with the right foot, putting your weight on it.

Count uh: bring your left foot to your right. Shift weight to the ball only of the left foot-do not lower the heel.

Count 4: replace the weight on your right foot.

Repeat.

Woman's basic Samba steps

Start with your right foot free, standing on your left foot.

Count 1: step backward with the right foot, putting all your weight on it.

Count uh: bring your left foot to your right. Shift weight to the ball only of the left foot-do not lower the heel.

Count 2: replace weight on the right foot.

Count 3: step forward with your left foot, putting all your weight on it.

Count uh: bring your right foot to your left. Shift weight to the ball only of the right foot-do not lower the heel.

Count 4: replace weight on the left foot.

Repeat.

Have fun practicing the forward and back basic in Samba!