Samba's origin is intimately linked to the history of Carnival. There are of course a number of styles of Samba, but the one taught by DanceBrazil is the Samba-no-Pé (Samba-on-foot) style. Unlike ballroom samba, this does not require a partner. It is a free and relaxing dance for yourself and those around you. It is full of life, of joy, of passion.
Samba-no-Pé is seen in its highest and most dramatic form in the Samba de Avenida (Samba Avenue) of the Passistas/Sambistas of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival parades. There men and women dance samba with different steps and emphases during the parade. Male samba dancers often display many acrobatic tricks with their feet. Indeed it is said that a good samba dancer speaks with his or her feet. Female dancers are characterised by quick symmetrical feet movements with each foot twisting on the heel. At the same time the movement of their hips and shoulders constantly emphasises their femininity. See a Samba School on parade here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF-UkERih0I&feature=related
Male and female participants do dance together during their performance but they do not touch each other. Often the men will dance around the women in spins, hops and jumps. The dance has a high tempo and is a complex combination of basic steps, variations and improvisations. Don't worry though, DanceBrazil's Samba-no-Pé is specifically tailored to the abilities of its participants! Our insurance company prefers it that way!
Samba is of course a musical genre that originated in Africa and was brought to the state of Bahia by those enslaved to work in the sugar plantations there. It is believed that the name samba arises from "Semba" an Angolan religious rhythm connected to Umbigada, a style of dance. Samba is of course one of many religious rhythmic expressions which emerged in that time. Once its African roots were firmly planted in Brazilian soil, Samba grew to become the principal national rhythm and expression of dance excellence.
Renowned for its vitality and versatility Samba harnesses the language and expressive ways of the body. On that understanding, it may be danced by anyone. During Samba sessions you will engage with movements of the hips, legs, and arms as well as body posture and expression. Samba is fun and its combination of attitude, style and graciousness are also good for developing confidence and beneficial for the body as well as the mind!
For our free sessions and regular classes please select 'Classes' on the left hand side.
Samba's origin is intimately linked to the history of Carnival. There are of course a number of styles of Samba, but the one taught by DanceBrazil is the Samba-no-Pé (Samba-on-foot) style. Unlike ballroom samba, this does not require a partner. It is a free and relaxing dance for yourself and those around you. It is full of life, of joy, of passion. 
Male and female participants do dance together during their performance but they do not touch each other. Often the men will dance around the women in spins, hops and jumps. The dance has a high tempo and is a complex combination of basic steps, variations and improvisations. Don't worry though, DanceBrazil's Samba-no-Pé is specifically tailored to the abilities of its participants! Our insurance company prefers it that way!
Samba is of course a musical genre that originated in Africa and was brought to the state of Bahia by those enslaved to work in the sugar plantations there. It is believed that the name samba arises from "Semba" an Angolan religious rhythm connected to Umbigada, a style of dance. Samba is of course one of many religious rhythmic expressions which emerged in that time. Once its African roots were firmly planted in Brazilian soil, Samba grew to become the principal national rhythm and expression of dance excellence. 
For our free sessions and regular classes please select 'Classes' on the left hand side.