Samba de Gafieira (also called Gafieira) is a partner dance to the Brazilian samba musical rhythms and must be distinguished from the ballroom Samba, danced in International Latin and American Rhythm ballroom dance styles. It appeared in the 1940s and it gets its name from the Gafieira – popular urban nightclubs of Rio de Janeiro at that time. The dance derived from the Maxixe and followed the arrival of the Choro (another samba musical style). It left most of the Maxixe’s Polka elements behind but maintained the entwined leg movements of the Argentine Tango, although adopting a more relaxed posture than the latter. Many see this form of Samba as a combination of Waltz and Tango. Several Brazilian dance studios use elements and techniques from these two dances to teach Samba de Gafieira steps and dance routines. Learn Samba de Gafieira online: *Beginner *Foundation 2 *Intermediate *Advanced More than 30 Samba de Gafieira classes on demand! Only $49.99 USD for 3 months