Rhythm Bounce

Samba Rhythm Bounce

The Samba Rhythm Bounce is Newcomer Level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, and movement, technique; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader and Follower

See details on Samba Bounce on Samba Technique page.

  • Normally used to start the dance or achieve good phrasing.

  • Think of bounce action more of re-bound, not as much stomping down. Think about belly button is never open, but it "blinks".

  • Start with weight on either LF or RF. Repeat movement for the desired number of counts to suit musical phrasing. Examples:

    • Can start with maintaining both weight on standing leg and foot position, e.g after any Bota Fogo action.

    • Maintain weight on standing leg, moving free leg to side or diagonally back position, e.g after a Whisk.

    • Dancing a weight change by stepping side or diagonally forward, e.g. after Traveling Volta (start on count "1").

  • Starting the dance with Samba bounce: face partner:

    • Leader: L leg forward, bent knee with weight, R leg straight.

    • Follower: mirror opposite, left hip twisted diagonally back, left hip up.

    • Back foot heel should be lifted.

    • The "Bounce" action is done more diagonally (than straight front and back). It's a swinging motion. Swing pelvis softly forward and back.

    • Just swing the hip back, don't think too much about straightening front knee (it will become more straighten naturally); keep the leg behind straight.

    • going back: front leg becomes straight. Extend the back R leg, crunch the side, lift the left hip to give it a longer line.

    • going forward: it's more like diagonally fwd, it's swinging to bottom and then pushing right hip up/fwd.

Preceding Figures

  1. Maypole

  2. Natural Basic Movement

  3. Promenade And Counter Promenade Runs

  4. Reverse Basic Movement

  5. Side Basic Movement

Following Figures

  1. Traveling Volta to Left (Rhythm Bounce on LF followed by Traveling Volta to Left)

  2. Traveling Volta to Right (Rhythm Bounce on RF followed by Traveling Volta to Right)