About Brazilian Samba
Samba is an energetic and rhythmical style of music and dance which originates from Brazil. It is a quick, pulsating and lively dance with a rhythm that many people find intoxicatingly irresistible.
Not to be confused with Ballroom Samba which is extremely different, Samba as a dance form was created by the poor Afro-Brazilians and is today one of the most popular forms of music and dance in Brazil in fact; it is widely considered Brazil’s national musical style and dance.
Samba is synonymous with the Rio Carnival, a wild, annual four day celebration which takes place in Rio de Janeiro. The carnival celebrates Samba with a massive Samba parade. Every year hundreds of thousands of people travel from all corners of the world to experience the colour, music and excitement of Rio Carnival.
When you attend a Latino Grooves Samba class, expect a fun and energetic workout to some seriously exciting music. Prepare to sweat!
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FAQ
Do I need a partner?
You don’t need a partner to attend our Samba classes as it is a solo dance.
What should I wear?
Comfortable and athletic clothing and footwear as if you were going to the gym is ideal for a Samba class.
What type of shoes should I wear?
Sneakers, dance flats or dance heels are all fine – it is up to your personal preference. If this is your first Samba class, sneakers are a good starting point.
Where can I purchase dance shoes?
There are several dance stores in Adelaide where you can purchase proper dancing shoes, clothing and accessories:
The Stage Shop
3 Leigh St, Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8231 9554
www.thestageshop.com.au
Dance FX Unley
152 Unley Road, Unley SA 5061
Phone: (08) 8272 2668
www.dancefx.com.au
Dance FX Windsor Gardens
502 North East Road, Windsor Gardens SA 5087
Phone: (08) 8266 0666
www.dancefx.com.au
You can also purchase dance shoes online:
www.facebook.com/SOHLOHdesigns/
If you are unsure what shoe to buy, have a chat to one of our friendly instructors and they can point you in the right direction.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes – we would absolutely love for you to let us know if you will be joining us. Our bookings system allows us to achieve an even ratio of men to women (leaders and followers) or as close to as possible, which is extremely important in a partner dance such as Salsa.
I have never danced before. Do I need to have experience to attend?
Our Level 1 Beginner classes are designed to introduce you to Latin dance right from the very basics. We do not expect you to have any prior dance experience and we guarantee to have you dancing in no time at all. Even if you think you have two left feet, just come along and give it a go!
I have taken some Samba lessons before, what level should I start with?
If you are unsure about what level is right for you, get in touch with us and let us know how much experience you have and we will do our best to allocate you in the right class. If you attend class and it is not the right level for you, you are always welcome to swap.
What are the age groups of the people who attend?
Our classes attract a lot of people from all walks of life and all different ages. You can expect to see people from the ages of 18 right up to 60 dancing up a storm.
How much do the classes cost and can I pay as I go?
You are welcome to pay as you go at any of our classes but paying upfront does offer better value for money.
The cost of a casual class is $20 or $17 concession, per lesson.
If you are attending a 6 week course, you have the option of paying $99 for the 6 weeks upfront which saves you $21 as well as time and effort as you don’t need to bring your money each and every week. This upfront payment is valid for any 6 classes during the term dates that you are attending.
If you are unable to commit to specific term dates, we recommend you purchase a 10 or 20 class pass. A block of 10 classes costs $170 or $140 concession and a block of 20 costs $320 (concession not available). They can be used at any Latino Grooves classes and do not have an expiry date. You simply get your pass stamped each time you attend class until the pass runs out.
How long will it take me to become a good dancer?
Everybody learns at a different rate but as the old saying goes, “practice makes perfect!” This is especially true in the case of dancing. The more effort you put into your classes, the more effortless your dancing will feel.
Many of our students have achieved optimal results through attending at least 2 classes per week and practicing their moves out socially at our parties and events at least twice a month. Many students have also gained many benefits from private lessons with their instructor.
We offer lots of opportunities and different pathways to suit different styles of learning and goals that people may wish to set for themselves.
There will be lots of special workshops and boot camps held throughout the year which are taught by guest instructors from interstate or overseas. These are an excellent opportunity to improve and learn new skills.
We also offer our students the opportunity to perform twice a year at our Mid Year and End of Year Showcases as well as other events that may pop up locally or interstate. We find that performances bring out the best in some students who love working towards a specific goal. At the end of a performance course, students always feel much more confident and polished.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes – if you prefer to learn in a one-on-one environment or need a little bit of extra help, enquire about private lessons. There is no better or faster way to improve your dancing if you prefer one-on-one attention which will allow you to learn at your own pace.