I would love to learn more of the Samba. All instruction that I have seen has the female starting on her left foot, including the demo on this site. I thought that all dances started the lady out with her right foot.

Also, I have a partner that likes to do the box step. Everytime we do it, the count is off and our feet are off. Do we need to be crossing our feet in the side step to stay on the right feet?

Also, if anyone knows a good video with complete Samba instruction, I'll take the information!

Thanks!

AM Ballroom instruction teaches that the lady takes her first step back on her right foot. For the box basic, the timing and count is the same as in the video (1-a2, 3-a4). The lady takes her first step straight back with her right foot (1-), then takes the left foot to the back-left (a) and then closes the right foot to the left foot (2). So, the footwork happens on the same counts, but the ladys left foot steps back and to the left instead of straight back as in the video.

After that, the lady's left foot steps forward, then the right foot moves forward-right, then the left foot closes to the right. That completes the box and it can then start over again. Hope this isn't confusing :)

Ah, thank you! We were doing it wrong! No wonder we were getting our feet tangled up.

Is it safe to assume you are from Indianapolis, IN?

Ever heard of Evansville?

Thanks for your help. The Samba is so cute...and hoppy! I want to learn it and can't find anyone who teaches it around here...trying to go self-taught!

The basic figures exist in both lefthand and righthand versions and either is fine to start with. Any preference would simply be local tradition.

Hi Robin, yes I am from Indianapolis. I've lived here for 4 years. I know where Evansville is, but I haven't been there yet. Good luck and have fun learning Samba, its a very challenging dance and will also burn alot of calories!