Brazilian
Dance Styles: A Brief Introduction
Samba
no Pé (Samba Solo)
It is a dance done individually and most well known
as the dance that is done in the carnival parades in Rio de Janeiro. Samba Solo is also danced on the streets and in the clubs
in Rio/Brazil.
Samba de Gafieira (Samba Partner)
It is a
partner dance that comes out of the ballrooms of Rio de Janeiro in the 1940's. It's name comes from the Gafieira, the name
of the nightclubs in Rio de Janeiro. Samba de Gafieira is different from International Samba and has its roots in the
Maxixe (predecessor of the samba), and other European dance styles. It is a fun and beautiful social dance that can be danced
(with the exception of fast carnival songs) to all kinds of samba songs, such as Bossa Nova, pagode, samba canção,
choro and other hot-paced sambas.
Forró
A dance out of Northeast Brazil. It is danced all over Brazil, and even in New York City. Some
people say that the word "forró" comes from the English words "for all", which meant that everyone
was welcome to the parties organized by the English, who were building roads in Northeast Brazil, and holding parties for
their Brazilian employees. But the word "forró", probably comes from the word "forrobodó",
which meant the popular parties powered by music, dance and "cachaça". A Forró band is usually comprised
of an accordion, a zambumba (drum), and a triangle. In New York City you can dance Forró, listen to great music, and
mix with Brazilians many nights during the week.
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