Brazilians love to dance. If everybody learned how to dance like the Brazilians, no one would be able to resist the beats! The most popular dancing style in Brazil is the samba. This bombastic, gyrating dance is the soul of Brazil and is the dance you see carnival goers shaking their hips to. Brazil is also home to Capoeira, which is a mixture of martial arts and dance that creates a smooth rhythmic flow of kicks and punches. Its effectiveness in the boxing ring can be questioned, but it certainly looks cool on the dance floor.
Samba has a long and colorful history in Brazil. It originated in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, and is today celebrated in the Sambadrome during carnival each year. There are many classes for tourists offered in all major cities of Brazil. Rio Samba Dancer offers great packages that include not only an all-encompassing samba class, but also a night out at various samba clubs in Rio de Janeiro. To book a class, you can email them at [email protected]. If you’re up for a challenge, you could try going to one of the late night practices at one of Rio’s famed Samba Schools such as Rochinha Samba or Deixa Falar. Getting your foot in the door might be difficult, as an invitation by an existing member will be required. So why not try asking some locals, or make friends while dancing in the clubs, they could be friendly enough to bring tourists along to have a look at the real samba schools.
Capoeira is becoming very popular around the world, with many capoeira masters deciding to emigrate and begin teaching their art abroad. Its hypnotic mix of dance and martial arts has captivated millions. If you were interested in trying out this unique style, the Capoeira Corpo Movimento offers classes every Monday to Thursday at 7pm and 9pm. To book, simply contact them at +55 (21) 2267 8097 or visit them at R. Alberto de Campos 12 1st floor, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. However, if truly serious, the hub for Capoeira is in Salvador da Bahia. Here, Capoeira is very popular and you might be able to join some group dances for more advanced tutelage. There is no set schedule, but they usually congregate on the beaches during the afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
Learning to dance is great fun, and once you learn either of these Brazilian dances, friends and family will surely be impressed. Even a one-hour lesson will have you coming out feeling like a better person. Not to mention knowing how to dance will surely strip away any fears you had of the dance floor and make you feel alive!
