Samba has its roots in the Afro-Brazilian culture of Brazil.  The current form of Samba, a couple;s dance, came from a folk circle dance.  The name Samba, to those who practice a religion called Candomba means to pray or to call your personal god/saint.  When the Europeans came to Brazil, they originally considered the dance immoral, but some still joined in.

The Samba rose in popularity in the 1920's and 30's  and hit its peak in the 1960's, when a new type of Brazilian boss nova music came out.  This new music greatly influenced the original dance moves and rhythms.

The dance became popular in the US  when it was featured in the movies starting in the 1940's.  Through the last 60 years, the dance has evolved and developed to fit with more modern music and now is considered a favorite among ballroom dancers of all ages.