Lambada

The Lambada is one of several South American dances that evolved from a folk dance performed without a partner to a couples dance. It incorporates dance elements from Forró, Samba, Merengue and Maxixe (a very sensual 19th century Brazilian dance, popular in Europe). Lambada, the music, has elements of Calypso, Zouk and Reggae and is derived from Carimbó, a Brazilian musical style named for the tall African drums that provided its strong rhythms.

The Lambada takes three steps to every four beats. It is danced mostly on the balls of the feet, twisting the foot slightly with each step. Most of the movement occurs from the waist down, knees bent and hips swaying in Cuban motion. (Lambada means "strong slap" or "hit" in Portuguese; in Brazil it is said to refer to the wavelike motion of a whip, suggested by the dancers’ swaying bodies.) While in contact with the partner, every right step is taken with the right knee between the partner’s thighs, the signature step of the Lambada.