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!

Spinner,

Thanks for all of the info...it has helped! I am also going to check out the website for an instructional video.

If you know of any one-day Samba workshops, preferably on a weekend, offered in Indy, please let me know.

Locally, we just don't have anything like that. The dance crowd here is quite a bit older, which is fine, but most of the venues to go dancing at concentrate on "Lawrence Welk" type events. Don't get me wrong, I was a huge fan of Lawrence when I was a kid...probably where I found my love of ballroom dancing!!!

We've got some good local bands here, especially for Swing. There's not too much offered in the way of Latin Dancing. The Rumba and Cha-Cha are about the extent of it.

Anyway, if you know of any good Latin instruction or clubs close by, please let me know. Thanks again for the info!

Robin. Anonymous is correct. Just to add. If you start with the mans RF forward it is called Natural Basic Movement. If it is the mans LF. forward it is a Reverse Basic. To learn the Samba on your own is a bit of a task.It will help if you know the correct count for both Basics . Count 3/4. 1/4. 1. The one is a whole beat up down on the spot. This is the International Samba. If you go to, on this site. to the Learn the Dances. Then Latin Section. Then Samba. Then Basic Movement. There is everything you need to know on all the Basic Moves. You may have to load a program to play these. Its free and only takes a few minutes. Best of luck.

The Samba Box Basic that Robin is asking about is not shown in the videos on this website. I would check out Dancevision.com for Samba videos to help teach yourself.

IndySpiner. Is the Samba Box Step an American Style. I've never come across name before.

Yes, the box is in the American Syllabus taught at AM. The couple begins a CCW rotation while dancing it, which helps lead into the "Paulista" or some other steps. I am only beginning the Silver program, so I have alot to learn yet about Samba. What is great is that all the Latin clubs are playing Reggaeton, which is great to dance Samba to :)