Samba is a type of Afro-Brazilian music and dance traditions that is characterized by a 2 by 4 time rhythm and lively movements, danced to samba music. This type of dance typically features fast footwork, rhythmic hip movements, and a swaying or bouncing motion that reflects the syncopated rhythms of the music. Samba may be performed solo, in pairs, or in group formations depending on the style. It originated primarily in Bahia, Brazil among Afro-descendant communities and later expanded through migration to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The term "samba" originally referred to any of several Latin duet dances with origins from the Congo and Angola. Today samba is the most prevalent dance form in Brazil, and reaches the height of its importance during the festival of Carnaval. Rather than one single dance, samba is a set of dances, and no one dance can be claimed with certainty as the "original" Samba style.
Today, samba includes regional styles and practices that are significant to community in Brazil, while also influencing global commercial entertainment and popular culture, such as Brazilian Entertainment shows like Samba Brazil Entertainment, which is the most popular Samba show around the world.
Samba de Roda
thumb|right|300px|Samba de roda performed in a circle by women.
Samba de Roda (Samba of the roda") is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance that developed in Brazil’s Bahia’s Recôncavo region during the late 19th century. Written sources from the mid-19th century also reference samba as a popular form of expression among Black populations in Bahia and Pernambuco.
According to Hiram Araújo da Costa, over the centuries, the festival of dances of slaves in Bahia were called samba. The percussionists of samba-reggae often dance while playing their drums as well. The third- and fourth drummers, known as surdos perform short choreographies, utilizing mallets to emphasize sharp arm movements. The fundos (the first and second surdos at the lead) often take center stage to showcase elaborate, deft mallet lifts and throws, and also toss their drums high overhead.
Samba-rock
Samba-rock is a playful form of the samba that originates from São Paulo. It is a form of Latin nightclub dance.
One of Samba-rock's first dance instructors, Mestre Ataliba, describes the essence of the dance style. "Dance wise, samba rock is about relaxation and concentration, all at once... It blends the African 'ginga' (body flow from Capoeira), which is present at the feet and the hips, and the European reference of the ballroom etiquette. We can dance it to the sound of Rita Pavone, samba pagode, reggae, R&B. It really embraces every music culture".
Bossa nova
A relaxed style of Brazilian music and dance that fuses samba rhythms with jazz influences, known for its soft sophisticated vocal rhythms and improvisations, complex harmonies, and smooth, melodic feel.
Partido alto
It is a traditional Afro-Brazilian style of samba known for its improvisational structure and it has distinct rhythmic pattern used in samba and jazz.
Samba-canção
Known as "samba-song," it is a slow-paced samba rhythm.
Urbanization of Samba
During the early 20th century, African migration from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro contributed to the emergence of urban samba styles. This evolution shows how samba moved from small and local neighborhoods into the public part of city life. As Afro-Brazilian people moved into Rio's working-class areas, they adjusted their music and social traditions to fit their new urban environment. While Samba gained more respect over time, the government and wealthy groups often tried to control the music, which created many different variants of Samba that we see today.