Advanced Samba Demonstration
The short answer: this is an advanced Samba routine, danced to music by me and my student Maddi. It's the routine Maddi uses for her Gold Star medals and Pro-Am, and it can also be used for competition. It's a demonstration rather than a lesson, so use it to see how advanced Samba figures flow together.
What is this Samba routine used for?
Maddi dances this routine for her Gold Star medal exams and for Pro-Am. It's built at an advanced level, so it can also be used for competition.
Is this video a lesson?
No. It's a demonstration to music, with no breakdown. Watch it to see how the advanced figures connect into one routine. If you want to learn the figures step by step, start with the Samba lessons listed below.
How should you watch this Samba demonstration?
- Watch it through once: get a feel for how the whole routine flows to the music.
- Watch one section at a time: pause and replay a short section until you can follow it.
- Count along: count with the music as you watch, so you can see how the figures sit in time.
- Compare it with your own routine: notice which figures you already know and which are new to you.
Common mistakes
- Trying to copy an advanced demonstration before you're comfortable with the basic Samba figures.
- Only watching the whole routine at full speed, instead of one section at a time.
- Treating a demonstration as a lesson. It shows how the figures flow together, not how to dance each one.
Try this in your next practice
Pick one short section of the routine and watch it several times, counting along with the music. Then walk through what you can see on your own, slowly, before you try it up to speed. If you're new to Samba, learn my basic Samba routine first.
Frequently asked questions
Who dances in this video?
Me, Vaughan Liddicoat, with my student Maddi.
What level is this Samba routine?
It's an advanced routine. Maddi dances it for her Gold Star medals and Pro-Am, and it can also be used for competition.
How fast is Samba music?
WDSF competition rules set Samba at 50 to 52 bars a minute.
Is Samba a Latin dance?
Yes. Samba is one of the five Latin dances in 10 Dance, along with Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.
Related lessons
- Samba basic and advanced routine with Voltas
- Samba Voltas: travelling, circular and spot
- Samba walks, Bota Fogos, Voltas and Whisks
- Samba advanced choreography, rhythm and expression
Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.
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