1. Learn the History of Basic Samba Moves
When Portugal colonized Brazil and transported slaves from Africa to work on coffee and sugar plantations, little did they know that a new type of music and dance would be born out of the clash and meshing of cultures forced to unite. Samba now encompasses more than samba itself; it also embodies afro bloc baio, maracatu samba-reggae and others. Think of samba history, Carnival and Rio de Janeiro when you do basic samba moves. Imagine the passion and joy behind the dance and first feel the spirit of samba to do basic samba moves. Practice manifesting the samba character and attitude as you do basic samba moves.
2. Follow the Rhythm of Samba
Start with the forward basic and back basic steps to do basic samba moves. Typically the follower mirrors the leader's moves, so while the leader is performing the forward basic movement and then the back basic movement, the follower complements him with the back basic movement and then the forward basic movement. Keep a straight posture and an engaged core to do basic samba moves. Also, keep knees soft and derive hip movement from pumping knees up and down while tightening and releasing abdominal muscles. Bounce down on the beat and up on the off beat to do basic Samba moves. Both the back basic and forward basic moves involve slight weight transfer as you move your leg and foot back and forth.
3. Try to BeTechnical With Samba
On the right, begin to do basic samba moves by stepping back a little for the first beat of the music to do back basic movement. Next slide the right foot backwards (toe first) and then on the right leg, shift your weight. Keep your left foot still. On the left, move/tap up and down. The left foot moves backwards a little, tap with the ball (inside) of your foot. Roll on the ball of your foot to shift weight without putting your foot completely flat on the floor. Constant weight transfer keeps the movement flowing. Forward basic movement is exactly the same, but you begin on your left and step and slide your foot forward to do basic samba moves.
4. Stepping It Up
Perform a back spot movement and various related movements based on the back spot movement to do basic samba moves. Prepare to perform more advanced moves by mastering the back spot movement first. It's like a basic movement but instead of stepping forward or back on the up beat, you tap behind your foot before you move it for the first beat.
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