Samba: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:38, 13 August 2024

Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance of Afro-Brazilian origin in 2/4 time danced to Samba music whose origins include the Maxixe. Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa. Samba has become an icon of Brazilian national identity.

History

The roots of Samba are linked to the African diaspora in Brazil. African slaves transported to Brazil brought their cultural traditions, including various forms of music and dance. Over time, these elements combined with Indigenous South American and Portuguese influences to form the modern Samba that emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. The dance became popularized in the 1930s as it was incorporated into Carnival parades.

Characteristics

Samba is known for its rapid steps taken on quarter beats and a rocking, swaying motion and the rhythmic pulsing of the dancers. The dance is usually performed in pairs, although it can be done solo. The basic movement involves a straight body and a bending of one knee at a time. The feet move very slightly - almost on the spot, but the movement is fast and requires stamina. In addition to its complex footwork, Samba is also known for its vibrant music, which features the use of various types of Brazilian drums.

Music

Samba music is very diverse and varies from the slow and smooth Samba-Canção to the fast and powerful Samba de Enredo. The rhythm is punctuated by the sound of tambourines, drums, and other percussion instruments that are typical in Samba music. The tempo varies according to the type of Samba being danced.

Cultural Impact

Samba has a significant role in Brazilian culture, particularly during the Carnival season. The dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of cultural expression and social cohesion. It has been instrumental in bringing together people of different social classes and races in Brazil.

In Popular Culture

Samba has been featured in many films and television shows, both in Brazil and internationally, often representing the joyous and vibrant culture of Brazil. It is also a competitive dance, featured in both national and international dance competitions.

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-[[File:Batuque.jpg|Batuque|thumb]] [[File:Hilário_Jovino_Ferreira.jpg|Hilário Jovino Ferreira|thumb|left]] [[File:Ernesto_Santos_(Donga)_2_(1972).tif|Ernesto Santos (Donga) 2 (1972)|thumb|left]] [[File:Samba_dance_pattern.png|Samba dance pattern|thumb]] [[File:Ismael_Silva.tif|Ismael Silva|thumb]] [[File:Heitor_dos_Prazeres,_1961.tif|Heitor dos Prazeres, 1961|thumb]] '''Samba''' is a popular form of [[dance]] and [[music]] originating from [[Brazil]], with roots that can be traced back to Africa through the [[Atlantic slave trade]]. It is recognized worldwide as a symbol of Brazilian culture, particularly associated with the [[Carnival]] celebrations that take place annually in the weeks leading up to [[Lent]]. Samba embodies a rich cultural heritage, combining elements of [[Portuguese]] and [[African]] influences, which have evolved over time into various styles and forms.
+{{Infobox dance
+| name = Samba
+| image =
+| alt =
+| caption =
+| genre = [[Dance]]
+| origin = [[Brazil]]
+| year = Early 20th century
+}}
+'''Samba''' is a lively, rhythmical dance of [[Afro-Brazilian]] origin in 2/4 time danced to [[Samba (music)|Samba music]] whose origins include the [[Maxixe]]. Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa. Samba has become an icon of [[Brazilian national identity]].
 ==History==
-The origins of Samba are linked to the African slaves who were brought to Brazil from the 16th century onwards. These slaves brought their music and dance traditions, which blended with the local Indigenous and European (primarily Portuguese) cultural elements. The word "samba" is thought to have its roots in the Angolan term "semba," which refers to a type of ritual music. Over the centuries, samba evolved in the Brazilian state of [[Bahia]] and later spread to [[Rio de Janeiro]], where it became associated with the emerging Carnival festivities.
+The roots of Samba are linked to the [[African diaspora]] in Brazil. African slaves transported to Brazil brought their cultural traditions, including various forms of music and dance. Over time, these elements combined with Indigenous South American and Portuguese influences to form the modern Samba that emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. The dance became popularized in the 1930s as it was incorporated into [[Carnival]] parades.
-In the early 20th century, samba began to gain national recognition in Brazil, especially with the recording of "Pelo Telefone" in 1917, considered the first samba composition. This period marked the beginning of samba's commercial success and its establishment as a key component of Brazilian identity.
+==Characteristics==
+Samba is known for its rapid steps taken on quarter beats and a rocking, swaying motion and the rhythmic pulsing of the dancers. The dance is usually performed in pairs, although it can be done solo. The basic movement involves a straight body and a bending of one knee at a time. The feet move very slightly - almost on the spot, but the movement is fast and requires stamina. In addition to its complex footwork, Samba is also known for its vibrant music, which features the use of various types of [[Brazilian drums]].
-==Styles and Variations==
+==Music==
-Samba encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its own characteristics and traditions. Some of the most well-known include:
+[[Samba (music)|Samba music]] is very diverse and varies from the slow and smooth Samba-Canção to the fast and powerful Samba de Enredo. The rhythm is punctuated by the sound of tambourines, drums, and other percussion instruments that are typical in Samba music. The tempo varies according to the type of Samba being danced.
-- '''Samba de Roda''': A traditional form of samba from Bahia, characterized by its circular dance formation. It was declared a [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] by UNESCO.
+==Cultural Impact==
-- '''Samba-enredo''': Performed by [[Samba schools]] during Carnival parades, this style is narrative in nature, telling a story through its lyrics.
+Samba has a significant role in Brazilian culture, particularly during the Carnival season. The dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of cultural expression and social cohesion. It has been instrumental in bringing together people of different social classes and races in Brazil.
-- '''Pagode''': A more relaxed, melodic variant of samba that emerged in the 1980s, featuring a smaller ensemble with instruments like the [[cavaquinho]] and [[pandeiro]].
-- '''Samba de Gafieira''': A ballroom dance that evolved from samba, incorporating elements of [[Tango]] and [[Swing dance]].
-==Cultural Significance==
+==In Popular Culture==
-Samba is more than just music and dance; it is a reflection of the Brazilian way of life, embodying themes of community, resilience, and joy. It plays a central role in Carnival, a festival that attracts millions of visitors from around the globe to Brazil every year. The samba parade, featuring elaborate floats and costumes, is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the creativity and skill of the samba schools.
+Samba has been featured in many films and television shows, both in Brazil and internationally, often representing the joyous and vibrant culture of Brazil. It is also a competitive dance, featured in both national and international dance competitions.
-==Influence and Legacy==
-The influence of samba extends beyond Brazil, contributing to the development of other music genres such as [[Bossa Nova]] and [[Samba Rock]]. Internationally, samba has been embraced as a symbol of Brazilian culture, performed and celebrated in various cultural festivals around the world.
 ==See Also==
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 * [[Dance of Brazil]]
-[[Category:Brazilian music]]
+[[Category:Dance]]
-[[Category:Dance music]]
+[[Category:Brazilian culture]]
-[[Category:Latin dances]]
+[[Category:Performing arts]]
-{{music-stub}}
+{{dance-stub}}