Samba (ballroom dance)
The Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance of Brazilian origin in 2/4 time. It is characterized by its bouncing, rolling action and syncopated timing. The ballroom Samba is a stylized and modified version of the authentic Brazilian Samba, adapted for partner dancing in social and competitive settings.
History and Origins:
The ballroom Samba evolved from various Brazilian dances, including the Maxixe and the Carioca. These dances, in turn, have roots in African rhythms and movements brought to Brazil during the slave trade. The ballroom version was standardized and popularized in Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. While sharing a common ancestry with the Brazilian Samba, which is a solo or group dance often associated with carnival, the ballroom version features specific steps, holds, and figures designed for a couple to dance together.
Characteristics:
The ballroom Samba is danced to music with a tempo of approximately 50-52 measures per minute. Key characteristics include:
- Samba Bounce: A distinctive up-and-down motion created by bending and straightening the knees and ankles. This "bounce" is a defining element of the dance and contributes to its vibrant and energetic feel.
- Body Action: The rib cage plays a significant role in the Samba, with lateral and circular movements that enhance the overall rhythm and expression.
- Syncopation: The rhythm emphasizes off-beats and unexpected accents, creating a complex and exciting musicality.
- Basic Steps: Common basic steps include the Samba Walk, Whisk, and Volta, which are combined and modified to create more complex routines.
- Partner Connection: Dancers maintain a close hold, with emphasis on lead and follow to execute steps and turns with precision and fluidity.
Competitive Ballroom Samba:
The Samba is one of the five International Latin dances performed in competitive ballroom dancing, alongside the Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. In competitions, dancers are judged on their technique, musicality, presentation, and partnership. The choreography often includes a variety of challenging figures, turns, and combinations designed to showcase skill and artistry.
Differences from Brazilian Samba:
It's crucial to distinguish the ballroom Samba from the authentic Brazilian Samba. The latter encompasses a wider range of styles, from the fast-paced Samba de Enredo performed during Carnival to the more intimate Samba de Gafieira danced in nightclubs. The Brazilian Samba often involves improvisation and a strong connection to Brazilian culture and heritage, whereas the ballroom Samba is a more structured and formalized dance form.