Samba North York Dance Lessons

Do you want to find out more about Samba North York classes? Many of our existing students enjoy Samba lessons in North York, Etobicoke (The Kingsway), Downtown Toronto (Yorkville), North York/Scarborough, and Vaughan (Woodbridge) at our dance studios where we teach man classes such as Samba dance lessons.  If you’re looking for samba classes, or samba lessons in North York, Arthur Murray is the place to be! Sometimes called the South American Waltz, the Samba pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm.

Samba History

It is a lively, rhythmical dance, sometimes referred to as a Samba, Carioca, a Baion or a Batucado. This national dance of Brazil became the rage of its society in the 1930’s but began as an exhibition dance in Paris in 1905. Movie star & singer Carmen Miranda, is credited with making the dance popular in the U.S. in the early 1940’s.

Characteristics of Samba Dancing

Walking steps and side steps are the basic components of Samba dance lessons in our North York and area studios. The major characteristic of the Samba is the vertical bounce action. Steps are taken using the ball of the foot. Knee action along with body sway and “pendulum motion”, in the accomplished dancer, is made to look effortless and carefree. If you give our samba lessons in North York a try, you’ll notice that the difference is mostly in the tempo played since the steps in all three dances are very similar. The style is to bounce steadily and smoothly in 2/4 meter.

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Samba Music

Today’s Samba music is influenced by Jazz and Latin rhythms. It is written in 2/4 or 4/4 time. The music is festive and fast paced with a sound associated with Rio’s Carnival. The basic count is “Slow a Slow” or “1 & 2”. Samba songs and artists include:

  • One Note Samba, by Antonio Carlos Jobim
  • Macarena, by Los Del Rio
  • Copacabana, by Barry Manilow
  • Quando, Quando, Quando, by Engelbert Humperdinck

Samba classes in North York will improve the flexibility of the body and help achieve easy movement and lightness. The Samba rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly, quickly and smoothly without effort takes study but only at the start. Although considered a good exercise, Samba classes should be danced smoothly and in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of effortless movement. North York Samba lessons will help you master the techniques.