Do you know how to samba? You should not be surprised to know that this clueless and somewhat awkward gringo doesn’t have a clue, so you can calm down if you thought I was was going to show you a video of me giving it a try.
Contrary to popular opinion, not all Brazilians are passistas (expert samba dancers) either. In fact I’ve seen a few Brazilian bloggers who have posted the following:
I find this message comforting. If not all Brazilians know how to samba then it seems perfectly acceptable that I don’t have a clue either.
However, I have just spent a few minutes checking out some instructional videos and it turns out it may not be completely impossible. Take a look at this clear demonstration:
How to Samba
Simple right?! OK, so let’s take a look at someone sambando in the wild! I did quite a bit of filming at the bloco on Sunday – especially once the crazy rain came down. When I looked over the footage yesterday, one person jumped out at me. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I’m pretty sure the girl in the green shorts is doing it right!
Looking at that I start to think maybe it is impossible after all…


Hello, I'm Tom. I am originally from England, but now live in Rio.
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6 comments
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Luciana Lage
05/02/2013 at 6:56 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I love the badge “No, I don’t know how to samba”. Just love it. This girl in the video lesson makes it seem so (deceivingly) easy
tomlemes
05/02/2013 at 7:19 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
It does look easy in the video doesn’t it? I am going to try it tonight – my downstairs neighbours are going to hate me!
Margaret Nahmias
06/02/2013 at 12:28 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
I have Mais que nada playing in my head right now
tomlemes
06/02/2013 at 12:30 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Ooh, nice! The Jorge Ben original or the Sérgio Mendes & Brazil ’66 version?
Ana Fonseca
07/02/2013 at 1:51 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Ui, link pro meu blogueto, que bafo ! Estou de greve, fui sequestrada por disco voador, fui buscar um mocoto ali na esquina… Brigada de toda forma pela apoio, um dia eu volto. Ha !
tomlemes
08/02/2013 at 12:23 PM (UTC -3) Link to this comment
Heh heh heh! Nos vamos esperar com paciencia!