The samba, like most South American dances, originates from a blend of African and South American influences. You will often see this dance style during Carnival in Brazil, but also in many other countries and settings. Let’s explore the reasons for the popularity of the samba and how choosing the right costume can help to highlight your performance.

Where it all began

Samba can be traced back to the 16th century during the Portuguese colonization of Brazil. African slaves were brought to Brazil, and their dance, known as maxixe, evolved with Brazilian influence during the 19th century to become the samba we know today. Ultimately, it has become known as the national dance of Brazil due to its lively beat and movements. Due to its ability to be danced solo or as a couple, samba has become one of the most popular dances for Carnival, festivals, and parades.

The movements of samba

The most basic movements for samba can be made visually spectacular with simple hip movements and upper body flair. To dance the samba you start with your feet together, then put your right foot forward with a slightly bent knee, bring your left foot forward to meet your right foot and slightly straighten the knees to give a little "bounce", and then step your left foot back before bringing your right foot back beside your left foot. And then repeat! A very simple yet effective dance step that can be adapted to a solo performance, a partnered dance, or a group traveling dance, as is often seen in parades.

The importance of the right costume

A short skirt that twirls or is lined with feathers or a fringed bottom is vital for female dancers to emphasize their hip movements. You can pair this with a bright sequined top or bra to add some pizazz. While most dancers wear heels to elongate the legs, this dance can be just as spectacular in flats, which may help to keep you on your feet longer! As the samba is all about showmanship, there must also be accessories that can include headpieces or jewelery, basically anything to add to the visual delight of an energetic samba dance. Brazilian samba outfits can be customized to suit you and your personality. When choosing your ultimate samba outfit, there is no need to be reserved in your choices. If you are partnering in the dance, for the gentleman, a simple close-fitting black outfit with a hint of sparkle to compliment your dance partner’s costume is all that is required.

Samba has many variations

As is the case with most styles of dance, there are quite a few variations of samba. Differing versions such as the quick-paced samba no pé, or the sensual slower pace of samba de roda, are showcased around Brazil and in other Latin dance circles. Both styles feature the same basic steps with the tempo and music being the biggest differences. There is also a ballroom samba, with much stricter guidelines and rules for the dance. There are many more examples of different versions, but whichever version of samba you enjoy, learning the base steps will allow you to adapt to any type of samba by simply applying those steps to the beat.

Costume variations

One of the biggest considerations when selecting your costume is remembering that many Latin dance costumes are interchangeable. The samba costume you choose can also be used for other Latin dances, such as merengue or rumba. Even more reason to select something desirable that you will proudly wear again and again.

Easy enjoyment

Because the steps to Samba are quite basic and repetitive, it gives you the freedom to perfect your “bounce” and hip movements without being concerned with intricate footwork. A popular dance in the bars and streets of Brazil, it has also infiltrated the West due to the ease of performing moves, which allows you to enjoy the music and let your body feel the rhythm. Danced as a duet or individually, samba is truly one of the more enjoyable of the many South American dances due to its ease of execution. That being said, mastering the hip movement and the "bounce" will give your performance the pop needed to make it spectacular.

Samba music

Samba requires 2/4 or 4/4 time signatures in the music, making it pretty easy to adapt the dance to most songs, as these are the most common time signatures used. The music could be a Latino tune such as Magalena by Sergio Mandes or a more modern tune such as “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira. The speed of the music will dictate the energy of your samba from slow and seductive right through to a fast-paced energetic performance. Much like the dance itself, the music you choose to samba to can be as sultry or excitable as you desire.

The Charismatico samba costume collection

At Charismatico, we pride ourselves on providing a range of samba costumes to suit every kind of dancer. From beginner outfits to the more spectacular, showy Brazilian samba outfits, you can really have some fun with your costume with options that include a showy feather headdress or even a delectable feather boa and skirt set. There are so many beaded, sequined, fringed, and feathered options available in the Charismatico collection that you will find it hard to choose just one. Ultimately, you need to make sure you are comfortable with the feel and look of your costume so you can concentrate on putting on your best performance and enjoying the experience.

The perfect way to stay fit

Whether you are performing samba for reasons of enjoyment, or perhaps you are interested in performing for competition, it is the perfect way to keep in shape with the swiveling hip action, fast footwork, and those bounces keeping your legs working for the duration of your dance. Your posture will be improved along with your cardio strength which makes it an ideal and fun way to keep yourself fit, toned, and feeling your physical best.

There is a reason Latin dance is so popular worldwide, and samba is no exception. The passion, spectacle, and vibrancy of this dance style is captivating and uplifting. Dress to impress and enjoy your dance!