Brazilian Carnaval has origins in the old Portuguese pre-lent celebration know as the entrudo. People celebrated by throwing little balls of wax filled with perfumed water at each other. The first procession with adorned floats was in 1850, and in 1856 costumed revelers took to the streets. Until 1899, no songs were written expressly for Carnaval, and people danced to music of European inspiration.

In 1917, the Samba appeared officially. Automobile parades were held in downtown Rio de Janeiro with tons of paper confetti and streamers, and people went to the beach in elaborate paper costumes. In the last few decades, the parade has become the greatest attraction of Carnaval in Brazil and is decidedly luxurious and gigantic.

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Choreography: Cristina Ribeiro

Music: “Caymmi Mostra Ao Mundo O Que A Bahia” by Dinho Nascimento

Dancers: Alexandra Capela, Aki Ueno, Carrie Adams, Craig Lawson, Danae Gray, David Flick, Erika Gordon, Gabriela Mendoza-Evans, Katrina Gillard, Jennifer Jung, Peggy Baltazar, Raquel De Lima, Raquel Gonzalez, Sylvia Mendoza

Samba Coreografado (Samba Enredo With Carnaval Parade)

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How to Samba: Brazilian Dance Lessons : Egyptian Walk in the Brazilian Samba Dance

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Brazilian Carnival Costumes add color and flare to your dance routine. Learn the different kinds of costumes you can wear when dancing the Brazilian Samba in this free video clip.

How to Samba: Brazilian Dance Lessons : Types of Brazilian Samba Costumes

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How to Samba: Brazilian Dance Lessons : How to Move Hips in the Brazilian Samba Dance