#Bossa nova dancing how to#

The forward/back basic is (for the leader) step forward (either foot, say left), together and tap with the other foot and back to the original position, step together, step back, tap and forward. The follower mirrors the step starting with back steps. The walking basic is similar and is danced as three steps forward (for the leader starting with, say, the left foot), tap, three steps back and tap. The follower mirrors the step starting to the right. The chasse basic is three steps to the leader's left (step-together-step), a tap step, three steps to the right (step-together-step) and a tap step. In one version of Bossa Nova dancing, the feel and count is similar to social Rumba - with the Cuban hip action replaced with a smooth hip sway or roll and with the addition of frequent taps with the foot extended. Samba and Bossa Nova are both Brazilian dances. There is a Bossa Nova line dance as there is a Samba line dance. Alternatively, dancers can use the concepts behind the very useful Bossa Nova basic steps in other dances.

#Bossa nova dancing how to#

The advantage of knowing basic Bossa Nova steps is that once dancers know how to dance the basic steps to the mood of the music, they can then incorporate moves from other dances that fit Bossa Nova's mood and rhythm.

This can work except that the distinct Latin Jazz feel of the music calls for its own style. As a result, dancers are puzzled by what dance styles they should use when they hear Bossa Nova music, and sometimes use Rumba, Samba, Merengue and even Night Club Two Step patterns.

It is roughly translated as meaning 'new wave', 'new way' or 'new beat'.Ī very popular and well-known Bossa Nova tune is the Girl from Ipanema or in Portuguese: Garota de Ipanema.Īs popular as the music may be, the dance is not widely taught in dance schools. Bossa Nova is a Brazilian dance that followed the creation of Bossa Nova music in the late 1950s.