Introduction to samba

A fun, therapeutic and energetic dance requiring no partner. Learn steps through choreographies and dance exercises. Increase your sense of rhythm whilst getting an aerobic, calorie-burning workout dancing the samba!

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Key course information

Dates
28/10/11 - 02/12/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
16:00 - 17:30

Fees
Full fee: £50
Senior fee: £28
Concession: £27

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
DD079

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
drama@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2542

Course outline

What is the course about?

An opportunity to learn about samba, its steps and its music. Samba is the expression of hope, freedom and unrestrained joy at being alive, best summed up by the magic of carnival, where everyone can feel and look like a king or queen, even if for just one day! No partner required.

What topics will we cover?

Starting with a warm up and stretching you will learn the basic samba steps, basic co-ordination (which can be useful to any style of dance) and finish with a relaxing cool-down.

You will be introduced to all the different styles of samba dance while enjoying the fantastic sounds of Brazilian music. From the incredibly sensual and fast ‘hip shaking’ of the female ‘passista’ through the roughish ‘gangster-like’ moves of the male ‘Malandro’ to the twirling, swirling ‘Baiana’ known as the mother of carnival. You will also experience samba music that has developed under Western influences and became popular at the edge of millennium such as samba rock or samba with hip hop. Samba dance is extremely diverse, with many characters and roles.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Demonstrate improved motor co-ordination and memory
Use increased knowledge of samba steps and vocabulary
Feel a greater sense of rhythm while dancing
Gain a sense of the happiness and freedom that samba dance can bring you.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

For beginners, and those with some previous experience.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Follow spoken instructions
• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught by a professional dancer with a solid choreographic knowledge and several years of performance and teaching in the UK an overseas. Students will work as a group and sometimes individually. No work is required outside of the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Students should come dressed appropriately for dance. Comfortable top/T-shirt and trousers/skirt that allow movement (no jeans). Shoes comfortable with or without heels and must slide easily. For warm up and cool down section is recommended to bring trainers or flat shoes with a solid sole.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Introduction to Samba, Salsa, Tango or Afro Cuban.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2542

drama@citylit.ac.uk

Drop-in advice During term-time: Monday & Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 17.30 - 18.30 Non term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.