What is Samba dance?
Dancers adorned with sequins and feathers along with the pulsating rhythmic music, Samba is an upbeat and energetic dance style popular in many parts of the world. The Samba dance style involves quick footwork accompanied by elaborate movements and turns, sometimes incorporating acrobatic feats as part of the choreography. Known as both a carnival street dance and a ballroom dance, this lively dance style can be performed solo or with a dance partner.
Top Samba dance studios in Singapore
Check out some of the top Samba studios in Singapore:
Dance Studio |
Aquilia Dance Academy Singapore |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | http://www.aquiliadance.com/ |
Address | #02-146 & #02-230, 803 King George’s Ave, 200803 |
Telephone | 9617 1175 8616 8490 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays and Saturday 12PM – 9.30PM Sundays 12PM – 5PM |
Dance Studio |
Singapore School of Samba (SSS) |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $100 per term of 8 lessons |
Website | https://singaporeschoolofsamba.sg/ |
Address | 44C North Canal Road Singapore 059300 |
Telephone | 9766 5572 9060 2648 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 10.30AM – 8PM Saturdays 1030AM – 4PM Closed on Sundays |
Dance Studio |
ACTFA School of Dance and Performing Arts |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $500 for 1 year of offer classes |
Website | http://actfa.com/ |
Address | 47A Chander Road, Singapore 219546 |
Telephone | 6225 0150 |
Operating Hours | 24 hours |
Dance Studio |
John & Josephine Dance Creative |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $180 for 8 sessions |
Website | https://johnjosephinedance.com.sg/ |
Address | 1 Sophia Road, #06-27/28, Peace Centre, Singapore 228149 |
Telephone | 6334 6230 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 11AM – 10PM Saturdays 11AM – 7PM Sundays 2PM – 7PM |
Dance Studio |
E-Five Dance Studio |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $2,000 for 100 lessons, valid for 1 year |
Website | https://efivestudio.com/ |
Address | 200 Jalan Sultan #01-31, Textile Centre, S199018 |
Telephone | 9107 6266 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 12PM – 9.30PM Saturdays 11AM – 6PM Sundays 11AM – 6PM |
Dance Studio |
A&J Creative Danceworld |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $150 for 10 classes |
Website | http://anjcreative.com.sg/ |
Address | 531 Upper Cross Street, #02-51, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050531 |
Telephone |
6538 2727
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Operating Hours | Weekdays 11AM – 10.30PM Weekends 11AM – 7.30PM |
Dance Studio |
Ballroom Dance Academy of Singapore |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://ballroomdancesingapore.com/ |
Address | 540 Sims Avenue, #04-03/04/05, Singapore 387603 |
Telephone | 8891 9353 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 11AM – 10PM Weekends 9.30AM – 8PM |
Dance Studio |
Dancer Dream Studio |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://dancersdreamstudio.com/ |
Address | 8D Dempsey Road #03-06 Singapore 249672 |
Telephone | 6873 0378 |
Operating Hours | Daily 10AM – 6PM |
Dance Studio |
DANCEXPRESSION |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://www.dancexpn.com/ |
Address | 158 Kallang Way Performance Building #05-10 Singapore 349245 |
Telephone | 9277 2373 |
Operating Hours | – |
Dance Studio |
Ministry of Fitness |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://www.ministryoffitnesssg.com/ |
Address | 7 Maxwell Rd, , Annex B, 06-01, 069111 |
Telephone | 8374 2520 |
Operating Hours | Mondays – Tuesdays 7AM – 8PM Wednesdays – Thursdays 7AM – 9PM Fridays 7AM – 7PM Saturdays 8AM – 6PM |
Dance Studio |
Attitude Dance Studio |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://attitudearts.com/ |
Address | No 1, Jalan Anak Bukit Bukit Timah Plaza 01-29 & 15 Singapore 588996 |
Telephone | 6467 9738 |
Operating Hours | Daily 9AM – 9.30PM |
Dance Studio |
Justino & Ching Dance Academy |
Speciality |
Services:
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://www.jncdanceacademy.com/ |
Address | 231 Bain Street, #04-03/05 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231 |
Contact | Telephone: (65) 97547364 Email: enquire@jncdanceacademy.com |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 1PM – 9PM Saturdays 10aM – 7PM Sundays 10AM – 6PM |
Dance Studio |
The Dancesport Academy |
Speciality |
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Pricing | From $25 per lesson |
Website | https://www.thedancesportacademy.com/ |
Address | 34 Amber Road, Singapore 439870 (3rd Floor) |
Contact | Tel: 6440 3303 |
Operating Hours | Daily 10AM – 11PM |
Dance Studio |
Shall We Dance |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Trial class: $40 Set of four classes: $100 |
Website | https://shallwedance.sg/ |
Address | 23 Kampong Bahru Rd #04-04 S169349 |
Telephone | 8779 5567 |
Operating Hours | Tuesdays – Sundays 7AM – 11PM |
Dance Studio |
Cindini Dance International |
Speciality |
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Pricing | Contact for quotation |
Website | https://www.cindini.com.sg/ |
Address | 531 Upper Cross Street, #03-47, Hong Lim Complex Singapore 050531 |
Telephone | 6533 1013 |
Operating Hours | Weekdays 12noon – 7PM Saturdays 11AM – 5PM Closed on Sundays |
Dance Studio |
SAFRA |
Speciality |
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Pricing | $140 for 10 sessions (SAFRA Member) $160 for 10 sessions (Guest) |
Website | https://www.safra.sg/ |
Address | Check website for locations here |
Telephone | 1800 377 9800 |
Operating Hours | Fridays – Wednesdays 9AM – 9PM Thursdays 9AM – 5PM |
The origins of Samba dance
Samba dance is recognised as a symbol of Brazil and widely associated with the famous carnival street dance in Rio de Janeiro. Many will be familiar with the parades of dazzling samba dancers thronging the streets, surrounded by trucks of sound systems blasting out deafening beats.
The rich history of Samba dance started as far back in the 19th century. It was largely influenced by the traditional African circle dance which consisted of celebratory music, drums and dance. Soon the popularity of Samba dance spread across Brazil evolving into many variations and styles. By the 20th century, the Samba dance transformed into a national symbol of Brazil.
Popular types of Samba dance
The Samba dance has developed over time with various influences from around the world. Originally a solo dance, there are now a variety of Samba dance styles that can be danced with or without a partner.
Here are some of the popular types of Samba dance styles:
Samba no pe
Also known as “Samba on the feet”, Samba no pe is a solo dance style originating from the famous Brazillian carnival in Rio. This rhythmic dance style typically involves a straight body with quick footwork variations and lots of hip action. The most basic move is done by taking three movements of the feet, alternating after each bar of music and with more variations added as you progress. Known for its flirtatious dance qualities and use of improvisation, with the right music, the Samba no pe can be danced and enjoyed in any setting.
Ballroom Samba
First popularised in the States as a ballroom dance, this fast paced Samba dance style is performed together with a partner. Compared to the original partner Samba dance, the Ballroom Samba has evolved over time. It has retained some elements of Brazillian Samba like the rapid hip and feet movements. Ballroom Samba also incorporates a variety of other Latin dance styles such as Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, including multiple forms of tricks and turns. Recognised as a popular dancesport, Ballroom Samba can also be enjoyed casually during social events.
Zumba
Zumba is a popular fitness exercise program which is largely influenced by a fusion of multiple Latin dance styles. The dance routine also often incorporates various features of the Samba dance including the fast leg movements and hip action. This combination of dance and fitness offers a fun yet intense calorie-burning workout regime for all ages to enjoy.
Benefits of learning Samba dance
Involving quick movements and high energy levels, the Samba dance is an excellent form of physical activity that can contribute to both your physical and mental well being. Here are some benefits of learning Samba dance:
Improves flexibility and reduces the likelihood of injuries
Samba dances emphasize a lot of hip movements and body coordination. It teaches you to gain more control of your hips, allowing you perform better movements without hurting your joints. Learning to stretch and coordinate your body the right way can help to improve your flexibility. With increased flexibility, it reduces the likelihood of injuring your muscles and can help it improve your overall posture and balance.
Builds up stamina and endurance
Music used in Samba dances are usually known for its rhythmic beats and the dance itself often follows a fast tempo. While dancing Samba, your heart rate will naturally increase as well. Increasing your blood circulation allows oxygen to flow faster through all parts of your body resulting in higher energy levels. This high intensity dance can also boost your muscle strength, heart health and endurance.
Boosts overall mental health
Dancing is a fun activity that offers various positive benefits that can keep your mind healthy. It provides another way of releasing feelings through movement rather than keeping it bottled inside. Dancing also requires you to constantly recall moves and patterns of the choreography, improving your brain functions and cognitive memory in the process.
Great social activity to build connections
Samba dance can offer a creative outlet for one to express themselves in a safe environment and interact with others who may share the same interest. It is a great social activity and platform to build new relationships. This can contribute to improved self-esteem, better self confidence and a more positive sense of well being.
What to look out for before signing up for a Samba dance class
There are a few considerations to look out for before signing up for a Samba dance lesson such as the class size and instructor’s qualification. Here are some key things to take note of:
Costs of Samba dance classes
Many studios offer trial lessons at a discounted rate for first time students to try. This is a good opportunity to check your comfort level at the studio and with the dance instructors. If you decide to sign up for a dance class, there are usually packaged classes offered at discounted rates.
Location of dance studio
The proximity of the studio to your workplace, school or home can affect your dance experience. Long travelling time and complicated directions to your dance studio can be annoying. Finding a convenient dance studio can save on travelling time and costs, which also contributes to boosting your energy levels throughout the day.
Schedule and timing of classes
Many dance studios are scheduled during lunch time or evening hours so you can easily attend the classes in between school or after work. However it is also important to be prepared for times when you may have sudden commitments that can clash with the timing of your classes. Check with the dance studio if there are replacement classes offered. This way you don’t have to worry about missing out on your lessons.
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