This blend of West African traditions and Catholicism brought by the Portuguese is what became the modern day Carnaval parade. They rehearsed music, choreography and put together elaborate costumes to display for millions of spectators each year just before Lent. Then in 1928 the elite began to formalize and legitimize it by creating official samba schools of groups of up to 5,000 musicians, dancers and other artists. Initially people in poor neighborhoods would band together in groups called blocos to celebrate amongst their own. Ironically the perception of it as sinful, taboo and of lower class is what eventually led to its wide spread popularity. In Rio the samba was initially looked down upon by the European upper class and only thought of as a street dance of the poor. So although it originated from West African slaves centuries ago, it didn’t quite gain its national identity as a Brazilian institution until the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when slaves from Bahia brought it to Rio de Janiero. Over time and after contact with various cultures and music styles like polka, maxixe, lunda, semba and others, it began to reflect the blend of the other genres, eventually incorporating trumpets, string instruments and other instrumentation.Įarly styles of samba, namely the samba de roda (samba in a circle), are traced back to 17th Century in Bahia Salvador, Brazil, where the slaves would dance as part of candomblé (prayer ceremonies stemming from a mix of West African, Native American and Catholic religious traditions). The music originated in part from batuque, a style of music and dance from Cape Verde.
The word samba has different meanings in different languages, and is debated by some as to which exact root applies to the origin of the dance itself. Synonymous with all things Brazil to most, Brazilian samba actually has its roots firmly planted throughout West African history and culture.
Although both are indeed variations, samba’s authentic form has deeper cultural roots and a more vibrant history than the costumes themselves. While others may picture scantily clad women adorned with feathers.
SAMBA MUSIC MIX TV
Those who watch TV shows like Dancing With the Stars or other similar programs might envision a pair of minimally dressed ballroom dancers slinking across the floor together to fast, pulsating rhythms when they think of samba.
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