StyleInternational Latin
Time2/4
Tempo50 to 52 bars a minute
Count1 a 2
The Samba syllabus
These are the figures of the International-style Samba in the ISTD syllabus, grouped by level. Each level adds new figures to the ones before it, and most dancers start with the first.
Bronze
- Basic Movements (Natural, Reverse, Side and Progressive)
- Whisks (also with Lady's Underarm Turn)
- Samba Walks (Promenade, Side and Stationary)
- Rhythm Bounce
- Volta Movements
- Travelling Bota Fogos Forward
- Criss Cross Bota Fogos (Shadow Bota Fogos)
- Travelling Bota Fogos Back
- Bota Fogos to Promenade and Counter Promenade Position
- Criss Cross Volta
- Solo Spot Voltas
- Foot Changes
- Shadow Travelling Volta
- Reverse Turn
- Corta Jaca
- Closed Rocks
Silver
- Open Rocks
- Back Rocks
- Plait
- Rolling off the Arm
- Argentine Crosses
- Maypole
- Shadow Circular Volta
Gold
- Contra Bota Fogos
- Roundabout
- Natural Roll
- Reverse Roll
- Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs
- Three Step Turn
- Samba Locks
- Cruzados Walks and Locks
Figures follow the ISTD Syllabus Outlines for Modern Ballroom and Latin American (September 2024), checked October 2026. Bronze covers the Student Teacher and Associate figures, Silver the Licentiate figures, and Gold the Fellowship figures.
Learning Samba with us
Samba comes up in our monthly Sunday rotation. See this season's schedule.
Dance with us on Sundays
Friendly group classes in north Vancouver, an easy drive from Salmon Creek and Ridgefield.
- Start here: Beginning / Beyond Beginning, Sundays 4–5 PM
- Keep growing: Intermediate / Advanced, Sundays 5–6 PM
$15 per person, per class. Ages 12+. Bring a partner or come on your own.
Dance Fusion/Northwest Classical Ballet, 14511 NE 10th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98685