The Samba is best known as the semi-official dance of Carnival (or Mardi Gras here in the states). From Rio de Janeiro to New Orleans, people Samba on the streets in celebration during "Fat Tuesday." And since it's the day before Ash Wednesday, you might as well go out with a bang the Brazilian way!
Mardi Gras is the pinnacle of the Samba's dancing reign, where the dance last for hours. And because of the frantic pace of the dance, many Samba dancers consider themselves athletes dancing for God. And despite its meaning in the religious sense, from New York to Rio, the dance is a celebration in itself.
The United States first learned about the Samba from Street Carnival, a Broadway musical of the 1920's. The most memorable performance, if also the most bland, no doubt was offered by Carmen Miranda in That Night in Rio. Released in 1941, she dances to Chica Chica Boom wearing the fruit-laden hat that later inspired the great Chiquita Banana.
Because of its quasi-religious nature, the Samba was not condemned as so many other dances. In the poorer parts of Rio, neighborhood groups would work together on elaborate costumes all year to adorn their reps for Mardi Gras. And moreso than just the dance, Samba represents the joy of life, community and neighborhood.
In Carnival, the Samba is usually performed solo but it can also be a partner dance. The style is fluid and smooth but is danced in triple time so there's three steps for every two beats in 2/4 time. Variations of the Samba include the Conga, Carioca, Mesemba and Samba de Roda. The ballroom version of the Samba is like a lively, bouncy Waltz. It's not very hard to learn Samba but it requires a fair amount of energy. So find a dance studio and save up for that plane ticket to Rio!
Mardi Gras is the pinnacle of the Samba's dancing reign, where the dance last for hours. And because of the frantic pace of the dance, many Samba dancers consider themselves athletes dancing for God. And despite its meaning in the religious sense, from New York to Rio, the dance is a celebration in itself.
The United States first learned about the Samba from Street Carnival, a Broadway musical of the 1920's. The most memorable performance, if also the most bland, no doubt was offered by Carmen Miranda in That Night in Rio. Released in 1941, she dances to Chica Chica Boom wearing the fruit-laden hat that later inspired the great Chiquita Banana.
Because of its quasi-religious nature, the Samba was not condemned as so many other dances. In the poorer parts of Rio, neighborhood groups would work together on elaborate costumes all year to adorn their reps for Mardi Gras. And moreso than just the dance, Samba represents the joy of life, community and neighborhood.
In Carnival, the Samba is usually performed solo but it can also be a partner dance. The style is fluid and smooth but is danced in triple time so there's three steps for every two beats in 2/4 time. Variations of the Samba include the Conga, Carioca, Mesemba and Samba de Roda. The ballroom version of the Samba is like a lively, bouncy Waltz. It's not very hard to learn Samba but it requires a fair amount of energy. So find a dance studio and save up for that plane ticket to Rio!
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been dancing, teaching, performing and creating amazing choreography for over 30 years. The run NYC's premier dance center If you interested in learning more background of any dances make sure you check out their website. They are currently teachingdance lessons in NYC
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