Video: The Samba de Roda
A look at Brazil's famous Samba dance, its origins, and the music and moves behind it.
Brazil’s most famous dance and musical style, the Samba, was born in its Bahia region within Afro-Brazilian communities. Starting in the 17th century, the tradition developed through enslaved people, who were typically of West African descent. Samba, and especially Samba de Roda, is tied to Bahia’s Candomblé religion, though it has since spread across the country and the world.
A typical samba dance is a joyous group activity, with participants forming a ring around a central dancer. Movements follow some basic rules, but half the fun is in improvisation, and even beginners are welcome to take a turn in the center.
Samba is now a common sight at Brazilian festivals like Carnival and is recognized by UNESCO as an example of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This video, courtesy of UNESCO, showcases Samba de Roda at its finest and explores the deeper roots of its music.
Further Reading
“Samba De Roda of the Recôncavo of Bahia.” UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO, ich.unesco.org/en/RL/samba-de-roda-of-the-reconcavo-of-bahia-00101.
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