Easy Samba Routine for Beginners

latin routine samba timing & music

The short answer: you can dance a full Samba routine using beginner figures. This one links Reverse Basics, Whisks, Travelling Voltas, Samba Walks, Criss Cross Bota Fogos and Voltas, and Rolling Off The Arm into one sequence. In the video every figure is named, and I count the whole routine out loud in 1-a-2 timing so you can dance along.

What is in this Samba routine video?

It's a fun routine for beginners and up that you can use in class or at a social dance. You see the full routine danced through first. From 0:49 I name every figure as it's danced, from 2:09 I count the timing for the whole routine, and from 3:04 there's one more run-through for you to dance along with.

How do you count this Samba routine?

The figures are counted "1-a-2", so most bars run "1-a-2, 3-a-4, 5-a-6, 7-a-8", and in some bars you'll hear extra "a" counts. Count along with me in the timing section until the rhythm feels natural.

What steps are in this beginner Samba routine?

2 Reverse Basics: take hold and begin.
Whisks: to the left, then to the right.
4 Travelling Voltas.
Whisk to the left, then a Whisk into Promenade Position.
Samba Walks: a left foot Samba Walk, then a Side Samba Walk.
Criss Cross Bota Fogos.
Criss Cross Voltas, then a Whisk to the left.
Underarm Turn and Spot Volta: the man dances a Whisk to the right while the lady turns a quarter under the arm, then a Spot Volta into Promenade.
Samba Walks: on the left foot, then the right foot.
Rolling Off The Arm: with no bounce action.
Samba Walks: on the left foot, then the right foot.
1 to 3 Rolling Off The Arm with Ending 2: the lady dances a Turning 3 Step while the man whisks.
Reverse Turn: the man can cross or close.

Common mistakes

Bouncing through Rolling Off The Arm. In this routine it's danced with no bounce action.
Trying to copy the whole routine before you know the individual figures.
Dancing the steps without counting. Use the timing section to lock in the 1-a-2.

Try this in your next practice

Learn the routine in sections: watch the figure names from 0:49, then count along with the timing from 2:09. When you can count it through, dance the final run-through from 3:04 with the music.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Samba routine good for beginners?

Yes. It's built from beginner Samba figures like the Reverse Basic, Whisks, Samba Walks and Voltas, and every figure is named and counted.

How do you count Samba figures?

The figures in this routine are counted "1-a-2". I count the whole routine out loud from 2:09 in the video.

How is Rolling Off The Arm danced in this routine?

With no bounce action. Later in the routine it comes back as 1 to 3 Rolling Off The Arm with Ending 2, where the lady dances a Turning 3 Step and the man whisks.

How fast is Samba music?

WDSF competition rules set Samba at 50 to 52 bars a minute.

Is Samba part of 10 Dance?

Yes. Samba is one of the five Latin dances in 10 Dance, along with Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.

Related lessons

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.

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