Today, we will study a dance called the Samba, which comes from a country that is our neighbor to the south, Brazil. Locate Brazil in South America on the map.
Read the Student Page (PDF): "Brazil, the Birthplace of the Samba" together.
Write the rhythm pattern of the first two measures of the Chorus: Samba, samba, Sambalele. Compare four quarter notes (measure 1) to the syncopated rhythm: eighth-quarter-eighth-quarter rest (in measure two). Count and clap the pattern.
Listen to "Sambalele" and clap this rhythmic pattern when it is sung.
Listen to the Audio: Pronunciation (Audio instruction) to learn how to pronounce the Portuguese words in the chorus. Samba, samba, sambalele. Samba, samba, samba lala. Samba, samba, sambalele. Pisa na barra da saia o lala. Translation of the Portuguese language: Dance the samba, dance the samba, dance the samba, o Lele. Step on the hem of the skirt.
This song tells a short story. What happens to the main character?
Sambalele cannot dance, no. He threw a stone at a mango. Stone fell back down on his own head. Sambalele's in his own bed!
Sambalele took a fall, now. He made some stilts to be tall, now. He took a tumble on his head. Sambalele's back in his bed!
Sing the entire song together, using correct interval leaps and a good vocal tone.
Rhythmic accompaniment: Divide into two groups. Group A (maracas and sand blocks) will play a steady, eighth-note beat during the song. Group B (tambourines and conga drum) will play the rhythm of the words. Repeat the song and switch parts.
Harmony: The second time the chorus is sung, there is an optional harmony part sung in thirds. This harmony continues throughout the rest of the song. Echo-sing the harmony until it is learned. Divide the group in half for melody and harmony.
Dance the Samba (optional): learn the basic Samba dance steps. In the Piano Accompaniment (PDF), there are instructions for when to use these dance steps in the song. These can be performed during the instrumental interludes in the song.
Basic Samba: Step forward on your L foot then ball change with your (R L). Then step back with your L foot ball change (R L).
Samba Box Step: Step forward L. Then step out to the side R and then bring L foot over to the R foot. Then step back R. Then out to the side L followed by bringing the R foot over to the L so you have made a box pattern.
Criss Cross Voltas: Step across the front with your L foot, then continue ball changes as you move to your R (eight counts or four ball changes). Then step across with your R foot and move to your L as you ball change four times.
Whisk Step: Step behind with your L foot followed by a ball change (R L). Then step behind with your R foot and ball change (L R).
Perform "Sambalele" with melody, harmony percussion accompaniment and dancers. This would be a fun song to perform in February to celebrate Brazil's Carnival (festival held before Lent, the forty-day period before Easter).
Other Songs You May Be Interested In...
Loading, please wait...
Loading, Please Wait
Get Access...
For full access to all content and features, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial.
You can also view some sample songs and lessons on our sample page.
