Samba Brasileiro (Carnaval)

Samba is a Brazilian dance and music genre with deep roots in African rhythmic traditions brought to Brazil through the transatlantic slave trade. The dance is characterised by a rapid, bouncy step pattern with strongly accented hip and knee movement.

Not to be confused with Ballroom Samba — the International Latin competitive style — or Samba de Gafieira, the refined partner dance from Rio's traditional dance halls. All three share Brazilian roots but differ in technique, context and social scene.

The ballroom samba — one of the International Latin dances — is a formalised version with defined technique and timing. Brazilian carnival samba, by contrast, is a more fluid and expressive social and performance style associated with Rio de Janeiro's famous carnival celebrations.

Samba reggae, pagode and axé are related Brazilian styles that have also found audiences in London's dance community.