International Paso Doble

This rythmic Afro-Brazilian dance has been adapted for modern ballroom dancing around the 1920s. Samba is noted for its distinct style of movement, which incorporates both Latin hip motion and the signature “Samba Bounce”. Samba melodies are highly syncopated, featuring call-and-response singing accompanied by a percussion ensemble. Carnival samba, a solo version of the dance, is danced in Brazil carnivals to this day.

Musical Information

Tempo: 48-50 measures per min / 96-100 beats per min
Timing: 2/4
Rhythm: 1 a2, 1 a2 (accent on downbeat)

Syllabus

Newcomer

  • Stationary Samba Walks

  • Whisks

  • Promenade Samba Walks

  • Rhythm Bounce

  • Volta Movements

  • Traveling Bota Fogos

  • Criss Cross (Shadow) Bota Fogos

Bronze

  • Bota Fogos to Promenade Position and Counter Promenade Position

  • Criss Cross Voltas

  • Solo Spot Voltas

  • Foot Changes

  • Shadow Traveling Volta

  • Reverse Turn

  • Corta Jaca

  • Closed Rocks

Silver

  • Open Rocks

  • Back Rocks

  • Plait

  • Rolling Off the Arm

  • Argentine Crosses

  • Maypole

  • Shadow Circular Volta

Gold

  • Contra Bota Fogos

  • Roundabout

  • Natural Roll

  • Reverse Roll

  • Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs

  • Three Step Turn

  • Samba Locks

  • Cruzado Walks and Locks