Where Did Samba Dance Come From?

Samba dance has its roots in African dance, and is most popularized as a Brazilian form of dance. 

Because there are many versions of Samba dance and there were many influences in the creation of Samba, there is not just one simple answer as to where Samba dance came from. Instead there are a few key facts to know about the origin of Samba:

• For nearly a century, Samba dance has been performed at Brazil’s Carnivale, a celebration that occurs prior to Lent in Rio de Janiero.
• There are several versions of Samba dance, which include Baion, Marcha, Carioca, and others.
• Prior to 1914, Samba dance was most commonly known by the Brazilian reference “Maxixe.”
• Fred Astaire and Dolores Del Rio introduced this form of dance to American audiences in 1933 in their film Flying Down to Rio.
• Samba became increasingly popular in the late 1930s as professors of dance introduced it at exhibitions and fairs.
• Samba is marked by a certain rhythm and particular Brazilian instruments.
• Samba is often accompanied by dance, where dancers wear exotic costumes that are designed to represent Brazilian pride and the culture of Rio de Janiero.  Dancers must have upbeat, joyful interpretations.
• Samba is mostly popular in Brazil and on stage performances, and less so in ballroom dancing because many students of dance find the speed difficult to achieve.
• Samba is also known as the Brazilian Waltz.

So, now you know where Samba dance came from and how and when it became popular and well loved as a form of dance.