Samba and salsa are two giants of the Latin dance world genre. However, whilst both are famous dances originating from South America, samba and salsa are quite different from one another. So, what distinguishes samba and salsa from each other?
There are several key differences between Brazilian Samba and salsa, including their tempo, steps, and intimacy. Brazilian samba is generally a female solo dance characterized by a lively carnival feel and extravagant costumes with largely percussion music. While salsa is high-energy and more flirtatious than sensual. In addition, samba involves diagonal/side-to-side movements, whereas salsa’s steps go forward and backward.
Let’s take a closer look at both of these dances!
What are the differences between samba and salsa
| Salsa | Brazilian Samba (aka Samba no pé) | |
| Pace | Fast, energetic, consistent | Strong, driving pace which builds to a crescendo |
| Beats | In an 8-beat combination, the steps follow the pattern of 1, 2, 3, pause, 1, 2, 3, pause | There is a 2/4 time signature, which means there are two beats per measure. The basic rhythm of samba can be counted as “1-and-2” |
| Intimacy Level | Salsa partners hold each other at a decent distance to make room for upper-body movements | Brazilian Samba is a solo dance |
| Instruments | Salsa music typically includes vocals, piano, guitar, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, double bass, congas, bongos, timbales, claves, the cowbell, maracas, and guiro. Percussion is a crucial component of salsa music! | Brazilian Samba music is characterized by its lively, upbeat rhythm and its focus on percussion instruments such as the surdo, pandeiro, and tamborim. It typically features a strong, driving beat, with a syncopated rhythm |
| Basic Steps | Forward and back movements | Side-to-side and diagonal steps |
| Mood | Playful | Love, carnival celebration, and Brazilian culture. |
| Popularity | Salsa has been the most popular Latin dance style for decades. | Worldwide Brazilian samba popularity has been decreasing over the years. However, within Brazil its popularity remains as strong as it ever was. |
What are the similarities between samba and salsa
- Both are fast and intricate
- Both are fun and focus on the celebratory aspect of life
- Both have a strong element of percussion in their music
As you can see, while salsa and Brazilian Samba are both prominent Latin dances, they are extremely distinct. We’re going to discuss each of these unique, historic dances in more detail.
What is samba?
History/origins of samba
The word samba is thought to have possibly come from the South African word ‘semba’, which means a naval thrust/touch, possibly connected to religious or community celebrations, and is generally thought of as an invitation to dance.
In the 16th century, Portuguese slave traders bought West African enslaved men and women to the northeastern state of Bahia in Brazil. The slaves kept their traditions and customs from their homeland including a tradition of drumming and dancing, despite attempts by the Europeans to forbid such acts which they considered vulgar.
Through the 17th and 18th centuries, this music and celebration survived by efforts of slaves and former slaves in private celebrations in Bahia.
In the mid-19th century, Brazil abolished slavery and many slaves moved south to Rio de Janeiro and settled in the favelas (poor districts in the hills surrounding the city).
The former slaves continued dancing using percussive instruments and developed samba out of a mix of styles including Brazilian Maxixe which was a dance similar to tango.
In 1914 the first phonograph recording of samba music brought wider recognition, and samba’s popularity was officially on the rise.
What are the differences between competitive Ballroom Samba and Brazilian Samba?
Within the world of samba, there are two main styles of samba that are called Brazilian Samba and Ballroom Samba. In this article, we discuss samba in the context of these two core styles.
Brazilian Samba (or Samba no pe) is the original samba that originated in West Africa. It is a solo dance often performed by women in colorful and extravagant costumes. It is usually performed in street festivals like the infamous Brazil Carnival. A good example of Brazilian Samba is below:
Ballroom Samba is different from Brazilian Samba. Ballroom Samba is a dance style that is part of the international ballroom dancing syllabus, which includes ten different dances. It is a partner dance that originated in Brazil and is danced to samba music with a 2/4 time signature. Ballroom Samba is related to Carioca Samba which originates from the rural ‘Rocking Samba’ and the original samba de gafieriav partner dance. Despite it’s origins and use of samba music, Ballroom Samba is more akin to Latin Ballroom. A good example of Ballroom Samba can be seen below:
What are the 5 types of samba?
It is a little known fact, but there are actually 5 types of samba. We mentioned two of them above, however, we discuss what all 5 are below including their main characteristics.
1. Samba de Gafeira:
Samba de Gafieira is a partner dance that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the early 1940s. It combines elements of samba, tango, and other Brazilian dances, and is typically danced to samba music with a distinctive 2/4 rhythm.
The term “gafieira” originally referred to a dance hall or nightclub where samba de gafieira was performed, but it has since come to represent the dance style itself. Samba de gafieira is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and intricate footwork, and is known for its playful, improvisational style.
The dance typically involves a lead and a follow partner, who perform a series of intricate steps and movements in synchronization with the music. Samba de gafieira has become increasingly popular both in Brazil and internationally, and is often performed in dance competitions and at social events.
2. Samba no pe/Brazilian Samba:
Samba no pé (literally “samba on the foot”) is a popular Brazilian dance style that is characterized by fast, energetic, and rhythmic footwork. It is a solo dance, which means that it is typically performed by individuals rather than couples.
Samba no pé is often associated with the Brazilian Carnival, where it is one of the main dance styles performed in the parades and street parties. The dance involves a lot of hip and leg movements, with feet tapping and stomping to the rhythm of the music.
Samba no pé has its roots in the traditional samba music and dance styles that originated in the Afro-Brazilian communities of Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. Over time, it has evolved into a distinct dance style with its own unique movements and techniques.
Today, samba no pé is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and is a popular form of exercise, as well as a cultural expression of Brazilian identity.
3. Ballroom Samba/International Samba
Ballroom Samba is a dance style that is part of the international ballroom dancing syllabus, which includes ten different dances. It is a partner dance that originated in Brazil and is danced to samba music with a 2/4 time signature.
Ballroom Samba has distinct differences from other styles of Samba, such as Samba de Gafieira and Samba no pé. In Ballroom Samba, the partners typically maintain a closed hold with the man leading and the woman following. The dance involves a lot of hip movement and quick footwork, with the partners shifting their weight from one foot to another.
In competition, Ballroom Samba is usually danced in a large ballroom or stage, and the couples are judged on their technique, musical interpretation, and overall performance. The dance is known for its high-energy and joyful character, and is often associated with Brazilian culture and Carnival.
Ballroom Samba has become increasingly popular worldwide, and is now taught and performed in dance studios and competitions across the globe.
4. Samba Pagode
Samba pagode is a style of samba dance that originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the 1980s. It is characterized by its lively, upbeat rhythm, which is often accompanied by percussive instruments such as tambourines and pandeiros.
Samba pagode is typically danced in a social setting, such as a party or gathering, and is often performed in a circle or “roda” with other dancers. The dance features a variety of footwork patterns, including samba no pé (basic samba steps), as well as hip and body movements that are used to express the rhythm and energy of the music.
The style of samba pagode has its roots in the traditional samba de roda, which is a form of samba dance and music that originated in Bahia, Brazil. Samba pagode, however, incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and other musical styles, making it a unique and dynamic form of dance.
Today, samba pagode is a popular style of dance in Brazil, and is also enjoyed by dancers and enthusiasts around the world. It is often featured in samba dance competitions and performances, as well as in social dance settings.
Whilst it was difficult to find a real example of Samba Pagode, we located a video that outlines further the nuances of Samba Pagode:
5. Samba Reggae
Samba Reggae dance is a style of dance that is performed to the music of the Samba Reggae genre. It is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic movements, which are designed to reflect the lively and complex rhythms of the music.
Samba Reggae dance is a fusion of African and Brazilian dance styles, incorporating elements of samba, reggae, and other Afro-Brazilian dances. The dance is typically performed in groups, with dancers moving in unison to the beat of the music.
Samba Reggae dance movements include hip and shoulder isolations, fast footwork, and fluid arm movements. The dance is often performed in colorful costumes that reflect the vibrant culture and traditions of Brazil.
In addition to being a popular dance style in its own right, Samba Reggae dance is also often performed in carnival parades and other festive events in Brazil and around the world.
As above, a real example of Samba Reggae was difficult to locate, however, we have a video that elaborates further on what Samba Reggae is:
Samba basic steps
In this section, we cover the basic steps of Samba no pé (aka Brazilian Samba) and Ballroom Samba.
Brazilian Samba basic steps:
Samba no pé is a style of Samba that is often danced solo or in groups, rather than with a partner. Here are some basic steps of Samba no pé:
Similar to the basic step in other styles of Samba, the Samba no pé basic step involves a series of side-to-side and diagonal steps, with the knees flexed and the hips moving in a circular motion.
Balãozinho (little balloon): This step involves bouncing on the balls of the feet while shifting the weight from one foot to the other.
Ginga: This is a swaying motion of the hips, with one hip raised higher than the other.
Samba de roda: This is a circular movement, where the dancer moves in a circle while maintaining the basic Samba step.
Passo marcado (marked step): This is a series of quick, deliberate steps that can be done in place or while traveling.
These basic steps can be combined with other movements and variations to create more complex Samba no pé choreography. It is a versatile dance style that allows for a lot of personal expression and improvisation.
Ballroom Samba basic steps:
The basic steps of ballroom samba consist of a combination of forward and back steps, commonly known as the “box step”. Here are the basic steps of ballroom samba:
Start with your weight on your left foot.
Step forward with your right foot on the “1” count.
Bring your left foot to meet your right foot on the “a” count.
Step back with your right foot on the “2” count.
Bring your left foot to meet your right foot on the “a” count.
To continue the basic steps, simply repeat the same pattern, starting with your left foot.
As you become more comfortable with the basic steps, you can add variations such as traveling steps, turns, and pivots. Here are a few examples of variations that you can add to the basic steps:
Samba walks: On the “1-a-2” counts, take three steps forward, starting with your right foot.
Voltas: On the “1-a-2” counts, turn to your left by stepping forward with your right foot, pivoting on your left foot, and stepping back with your right foot.
Promenade runs: On the “1-a-2” counts, take three steps forward, starting with your right foot, while turning your body to the left.
Samba music
In this section we discuss both Brazilian Samba and Ballroom Samba music, as they are somewhat different genres.
Brazilian Samba music:
Samba no pé/Brazilian Samba music is a genre of Brazilian music that is closely associated with the Samba no pé dance style. It is characterized by its lively, upbeat rhythm and its focus on percussion instruments such as the surdo, pandeiro, and tamborim.
Samba no pé music typically features a strong, driving beat, with a syncopated rhythm that encourages dancers to move their hips and feet in time with the music. The lyrics of Samba no pé songs often focus on themes of love, celebration, and Brazilian culture.
Some famous Samba no pé songs include “Aquarela Brasileira” by Silas de Oliveira (attached below), “Mas Que Nada” by Jorge Ben Jor, and “Bumbum Tam Tam” by MC Fioti. Samba no pé music is often played at carnival celebrations in Brazil and around the world, as well as in Samba schools and dance classes.
Ballroom Samba music:
Ballroom Samba music is a genre of music that is played specifically for the Ballroom Samba dance style, which is one of the ten international Ballroom dances. The music is typically in 2/4 or 4/4 time signature and has a strong, pulsating beat that emphasizes the first and third beats of the measure.
The traditional instruments used in Ballroom Samba music include drums, tambourines, and other percussion instruments. The music is often lively and upbeat, with a tempo ranging from 100 to 120 beats per minute.
Some famous Ballroom Samba songs include “Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes (attached below), “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow, and “Sway” by Dean Martin. Ballroom Samba music is often played at dance competitions and events, as well as in Ballroom dance classes and studios.
Samba footwear/clothes
Brazilian Samba clothes and footwear:
Samba no pé/Brazilian Samba clothes are typically colorful and lively, reflecting the energetic nature of the dance style. Clothes worn are not your typical clothes and a full Brazilian Samba costume is a sight to see, as can be seen below.
Here are some common clothing items worn for Samba no pé:
Samba skirt/bikini bottom: A colorful, flowing skirt that is usually made of lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or silk. The skirt is often decorated with sequins, beads, or feathers to add movement and sparkle. Often a bikini bottom that matches the bikini top is worn instead of a skirt
Crop top: A fitted top that exposes the midriff, often decorated with sequins or other embellishments.
Bikini top: A colorful, beaded or sequined top that is often worn under a sheer or lightweight Samba shirt.
Samba shoes: These are lightweight, flexible dance shoes with a suede sole that allows for easy movement and pivoting.
Accessories: Many Samba no pé dancers wear accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, and headpieces, forearm sleeves, and shin pieces, often decorated with feathers or sequins, to add to the overall look and feel of the dance.
The clothing for Samba no pé is designed to be comfortable, breathable, and easy to move in, allowing dancers to fully express themselves and enjoy the dance.
Ballroom Samba clothes:
Ballroom Samba clothes are often elegant and stylish, reflecting the more formal nature of the dance. A good example of Ballroom Samba clothes can be seen below:
Here are some common clothing items worn for Ballroom Samba:
Ballroom dress: A short (above the knee) dress made of lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk or satin, often decorated with crystals, beads, or sequins.
Latin dance top: A fitted, sleeveless top with a deep V-neckline that is often decorated with sequins or other embellishments.
Dance pants or skirt: Men usually wear dance pants made of stretchy fabric, while women may wear a fitted skirt that allows for ease of movement.
Dance shoes: These are lightweight, flexible dance shoes with a suede sole that allows for easy movement and pivoting.
Accessories: Many Ballroom Samba dancers wear accessories such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, often decorated with crystals or rhinestones, to add to the overall look and feel of the dance.
The clothing for Ballroom Samba is designed to be elegant and comfortable, allowing the dancers to perform with grace and ease. The costumes are often designed to accentuate the movements of the dance, with flowing skirts, elegant tops, and sparkly embellishments that catch the eye and add to the beauty of the performance.
How hard is samba?
Is Brazilian Samba hard?
For beginners, samba no pé/Brazilian Samba can be challenging to learn because it requires precise footwork, coordination, and balance. However, with consistent practice and guidance from a qualified instructor, anyone can learn the basic steps and gradually improve their skills. It is also quite the workout, whilst it may not look it, it is akin to skipping for sometimes 10-15 min at a time, which is no mean feat!
As one progresses, samba no pé can become more challenging as more complex footwork and choreography are introduced. Professional samba dancers spend years honing their technique and mastering the intricacies of the dance.
Is Ballroom Samba hard?
For beginners, ballroom samba can be quite challenging to learn as it requires a good sense of rhythm, coordination, and a strong core to execute the hip movements. In addition, you need to be in alignment and in sync with your partner’s movements which can be quite difficult when moving at speed and/or whilst being intertwined with your partner.
How to count in samba?
Brazilian Samba counts/beats:
Brazilian samba is traditionally danced to music with a 2/4 time signature, which means there are two beats per measure. The basic rhythm of samba can be counted as “1-and-2”. The “1” and “2” represent the beats of the measure, and the “and” represents the half-beat in between.
To count the steps of samba, you can use the following basic pattern:
Start with your weight on your left foot.
On the “1” count, step forward with your right foot.
On the “and” count, step your left foot next to your right foot.
On the “2” count, shift your weight onto your right foot.
On the “and” count, step your left foot back.
This completes one basic step of samba. To continue, repeat the same pattern, starting with your left foot.
Ballroom Samba counts/beats:
Ballroom samba is typically danced to music with a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature, depending on the song. The basic rhythm of ballroom samba can be counted as “1-a-2”, or “1-and-2” (if dancing to 4/4 time). The “1” and “2” represent the beats of the measure, and the “a” or “and” represents the half-beat in between.
To count the steps of ballroom samba, you can use the following basic pattern:
Start with your weight on your left foot.
On the “1” count, step forward with your right foot.
On the “a” count, step your left foot next to your right foot, shifting your weight onto your left foot.
On the “2” count, step back with your right foot.
On the “a” count, step your left foot next to your right foot, shifting your weight onto your right foot.
This completes one basic step of ballroom samba. To continue, repeat the same pattern, starting with your left foot.
What is salsa?
Origins of salsa
Types of salsa
1. Cuban style salsa
2. Miami style salsa
3. Casino Rueda style salsa
4. Colombian style salsa
Colombian style salsa is also referred to as Cali style salsa because it originated in Cali, Columbia. It has its roots in cumbia, a traditional Colombian genre and dance, and is performed to cumbia music. In Colombian style salsa, elaborate footwork is combined with stiff upper bodies. It’s danced at an extremely fast tempo—DJs back in the 1960s used to play salsa music at double speed so Colombian style salsa dancers could tear up the floor with incredible energy!
While the city of Cali offers many salsa competitions and classes, Colombian style salsa in rural areas is generally not as showy as some of the other salsa variations. It’s often passed down by family members rather than taught in dance classes. Like the other three styles we’ve covered so far, it’s done in a circular motion.
If you’re thinking about learning Colombian style salsa, maybe you’ll be inspired by this video of Columbia style dance in a Cali salsa bar.
5. LA style salsa (On 1)
Los Angeles style salsa, or LA style salsa, is one of the most well-known salsa variations globally. Fast and flashy, LA style salsa is dazzling to watch. Acrobatics is sometimes included in LA style salsa routines.
Unlike the types of salsa mentioned above, this variation is performed in a linear motion instead of a circular one. It’s termed “On 1” salsa because it’s danced on the first beat of the music. Since this first beat is the dominant one, getting the rhythm of LA style salsa tends to be easier for new dancers.
Watch the fancy footwork of Luis Vazquez and Weronika Pilat as they freestyle to LA style salsa:
6. New York style salsa (On 2)
New York style salsa, which is often called “mambo,” is a nightclub-style salsa. While less popular than the LA style salsa, it’s one of the most famous salsa variations.
New York style salsa is called “On 2” salsa because dancing starts on the second beat. Rather than incorporating acrobatics, spins, and styling like LA style salsa, New York style salsa emphasizes elegance, control, and grace. It’s danced in a linear motion. Because starting “On 2” is less intuitive than “On 1,” dancers usually learn LA style salsa before moving on to New York style salsa.
Enjoy New York style salsa performed by On2 world champions Tabo Simone and Maso Serena!
7. Puerto Rican style salsa
Puerto Rican style salsa may seem similar to New York style salsa to the casual onlooker. However, in Puerto Rican style salsa, the leader steps forward on the second beat; in New York style salsa, it’s the follower who does so. Puerto Rican style salsa can also be danced on 1 or on 2, unlike New York style salsa, which always starts on 2.
Puerto Rican style salsa values clean lines and arm movements, and it often features “shines.” A “shine” is a solo moment where dancers break from each other to freestyle and show-off their footwork. The female dancer—the follower—is usually given the spotlight in Puerto Rican salsa.
Watch this super fun Puerto Rican style salsa video featuring dancers Griselle Agosto and Reniel Hernández:
8. Salsa choke
Salsa choke is a modern style of salsa that started in Cali, Colombia like Colombian style salsa. It’s not a partner dance, but an individual one danced in a group with linear motions.
This salsa type was popularized worldwide when the Colombian national soccer team performed salsa choke moves during the 2014 World Cup. Salsa choke has influences from reggaeton and electronica and is danced exclusively to salsa choke music.
You’ll want to get up and dance too after watching this salsa choke performance:
Basic salsa steps
The basic salsa steps involve forward and back movements. Men, who typically lead, step forward with the left foot (first beat), then shift their weight to the right foot (second beat). Next, they bring their feet back together (third beat). Dancers pause on the fourth beat. They then step back with their right foot (fifth beat), shift their weight to the left foot (sixth beat), then bring their feet back together again (seventh beat). They pause on the eighth beat. For women, who typically follow, these steps are mirrored.
Here’s a great example of these forward and back basic steps as well as the side basic steps: Beginner’s Guide: How To Salsa Dance (No Experience Needed)
Salsa music
Salsa music always involves strong percussion, and salsa bands usually have a percussion section that comprises congas, bongos, timbales, claves, maracas, guiro, and the cowbell. The claves provide the rhythm for the other instruments to follow. The percussion is enhanced with piano, guitar, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and double bass. Vocalists, who are called soneros, normally sing in Spanish about a variety of topics, including love and culture.
Listen to salsa classics on this playlist:
What to wear to salsa dancing
If you’re going to a salsa dancing class, wear lightweight, stretchy clothing that you can move around in without any trouble. For shoes, you can wear Latin or jazz dance shoes, comfortable flats, sneakers, or low heels. Make sure your shoes won’t slide off your feet and will allow you to pivot.
Similarly, if you’re going salsa dancing at a club or other venue, make sure you wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing. Keep in mind that dancing the night away will mean getting hot and sweaty, so don’t wear anything too heavy. For shoes, pick something comfortable with a soft, smooth sole. If you go with heels, remember that a lower heel will cause less discomfort.
We have actually written a detailed guide on what to wear to different dance classes including salsa. It can be viewed here What To Wear To Each Dance Class: Inspired by professional dancers and contains both practical and fashion advice for salsa clothing and footwear.