Samba Classes - all the details on how to start shaking your hips to a samba beat in London.

At a glance:

• Capture the spirit of Brazil with this energetic and lively dance
• Learn the key steps in no time
• Meet people with similar interests and even potential dance partners
• Great for your fitness

The Lowdown

Samba originated in the shanty towns of Brazil brought there by African slaves. Today it captures the heart and soul of the country and stands as an icon of Brazilian national identity. It encompasses a range of styles, from the fast samba (batucada) played and danced in the Rio Carnival, to the funkier samba reggae favoured in Salvador and north-eastern Brazil.

It’s synonymous with the Rio Carnival, where it is largely danced as a traditional, solo dance. In other countries it has become a partner dance, and since 1956 it’s become a standardised ballroom dance.

The Crowd

Taking some samba classes will introduce you to one of the liveliest crowds of dancers around. Samba is a lively and fun dance characterised by simple forward and backward steps and rhythmic hip movements. Although it looks impressive, it’s actually not as hard as it looks. If you’re looking to try something new, samba classes are a great place to start as it’s easy to pick up, and once you’ve started, you’re likely to get hooked pretty quickly. With London hosting Europe’s biggest street carnival, you’ll have a great opportunity to have a different experience and samba dance in the streets without having to fork out for a return flight to Rio!

The Cost

Samba lessons are really not very expensive (around £10 per class), and of course, samba classes will be even less via your TasterLab taster. Wear something you feel comfortable moving in to your class, and remember samba's ties to Carnival - don’t shy away from something flashy if the mood strikes for sequins.

And Finally…

Unfamiliar with Carnival? Check out this overview of the biggest party on the planet to get excited for all the similar moves you’ll learn at your samba classes.