Samba: -Carnival dance from Brazil. Happy atmosphere.
Time signature: -2/4 (2 beats to a bar of music)
Accent: -There is a musical accent on the first beat of each bar with a percussive accent on the second beat.
Tempo: 50 bars per minute (The speed at which the music is played). The tempo given is as required by British
Dance Council for Championships.
Rhythm:The Samba is a dance of contrasting rhythms. The following rhythms are used
| Count | Beat value | Alternative method of counting |
| 1.2 | 1. 1 | SS |
| 1 a 2 | 3/4. 1/4. 1 | S a S |
| 1 a 2 a 1 a 2 | 3/4. 1/4. 3/4. 1/4. 3/4. 1/4. 1 | S a S a S a S |
| 1. 2. 3 | 3/4. 1/2. 3/4 | (No alternative) |
| SQQ | 1. 1/2. 1/2 | 1. 2 and |
| SQQQQQQ | 1. 1/2. 1/2. 1/2. 1/2. 1/2. 1/2. | 1. 2 and 1 and 2 and |
| QQS | 1/2. 1/2. 1 | 1 and 2 |
| SSQQS | 1. 1. 1/2. 1/2. 1 | 1. 2. 1 and 2 |
In the charts the numerical rhythmic count is given on figures where the normal Samba bounce action is used, and on the “1.2.3” timing “Slows” and “Quicks” are given on all other figures.
