Samba - Stationary Samba Walks

Much like the Forward Samba Walk, Stationary Samba walks have similar footwork, but as the name suggests, don't travel.

With the "1-and, a, 2" counting already explained in other Samba movements, Stationary Samba Walks are often done facing your partner and in a variety of holds: the simplest of which is two hand hold (often changes slightly so that if you are facing your partner and your forearms are parallel to the floor, there is a break at your wrist so that your palms face your partner - but don't interweave your fingers!). Like the other Samba Walks, this step requires a looseness of hold in order to accomplish it smoothly... you are not going to be able to keep your partner as close to you or in one static position as you may in a lot of the other steps so far. Allow them to move a little further away and come back in towards you throughout the step... a little like breathing!

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

Starting facing your partner, you should have your weight on your Right foot with your Left collected underneath you if you have just finished the Basic Movement (or crossed behind you if you have just finished a whisk).

Place your Left foot on the ground next to your Right foot (a little like a tiny march). (Count "1-and")

Extend your Right foot behind you, simply touching the side of your big toe to the floor. (Count "a")

Putting part weight on your Right foot pull your Left foot along the floor, backwards. ( Count "2") Dont lift your Left foot from the ground or transfer your body weight back over your Right foot. Keep your head, shoulders and hips over your Left foot and simply use your Right foot, extended behind you as a stationary point that you can use to activate your muscles from. Your Left foot should slip back approximately half of your foot length.

Next, bring your Right foot forward to step beside your Left foot. (Count "1-and")

Extend your Left foot behind you, simply touching the side of your big toe to the floor. (Count "a")

Putting part weight on your Left foot pull your Right foot along the floor, backwards. ( Count "2") Your Right foot should slip back approximately half of your foot length.


Followers'/Lady's Footwork


Facing your partner, you should have your weight on your Left foot with your Right foot collected underneath you if you have just finished the Basic Movement (or crossed behind you if you have just finished a whisk).

Lift your Right foot and place it down beside your Left foot on the floor. (Count "1-and")

Extend your Left foot behind you, simply touching the side of your big toe to the floor. (Count "a")

Putting part weight on your Left foot pull your Right foot along the floor, backwards. ( Count "2") Dont lift your Right foot from the ground or transfer your body weight back over your Left foot. Keep your head, shoulders and hips over your Right foot and simply use your Left foot, extended behind you as a stationary point that you can use to activate your muscles from. Your Right foot should slip back approximately half of your foot length.

Reverse, stepping onto your Left foot as you place it beside your Right. (Count "1-and")

Extend your Right foot behind you on Count "a".

Put part weight onto your Right foot to allow you to slide your Left foot backwards about half a foot length. (Count "2")

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:

- Remember that the bounce action still needs to be maintained. Every time a number is said ("1,2," etc), your knees should be bent. they need to stretch on the half beats in the middle. This is one of the hardest aspects of Samba to master.