International Style Latin Samba Variations

International Style Latin – Samba Variations is a 129-minute instructional programme presented by Maxim Kozhevnikov and Yulia Zagoruychenko, exploring alternative ways to develop familiar Samba figures through changes of position, hand connection, turning actions, and partner coordination.

The programme is organized into 21 groups of variations, beginning with Samba Whisks, Promenade and Side Samba Walks, and Stationary Samba Walks. It then moves through Traveling and Shadow Bota Fogos, Criss Cross Voltas, Solo Spot Voltas, Shadow Traveling Voltas, and Reverse Turns.

Later sections examine Corta Jaca, Closed and Back Rocks, the Plait, Rolling Off the Arm, and Natural Rolls. The final groups cover Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs, Samba Locks, Cruzado Walks and Locks, and Argentine Crosses.

Particular attention is given to how established figures can be developed through Shadow and Sweetheart positions, hand releases, changes of handhold, and additional turns for the lady. These variations offer choreography options without losing the recognizable structure of the original figures.

A concluding Dance Demonstration brings the material together. The original programme identifies Festival, from Latin Dancesport Classics, as its demonstration music.

This video is intended for dancers and teachers who already understand the underlying Samba figures and terminology. It provides a detailed reference for developing International Latin Samba choreography rather than an introduction to basic steps.

Samba

1. Samba Whisks to Left and Right
a) Shadow Position
b) Opening Out
c) Underarm Turns
2. Promenade Samba Walks
a) Hand Release
b) Sweetheart Position with Lady’s Turns to Right & Left
3. Side Samba Walks
a) Hand Release
b) Lady Closing Feet
4. Stationary Samba Walks
a) Circular
b) Change of Hands
5. Traveling Bota Fogos
6. Shadow Bota Fogos
7. Bota Fogos to Promenade Position and Counter Promenade Position
a) Double Hand Hold
b) Hands on Shoulders
8. Criss Cross Voltas
9. Solo Spot Voltas
10. Shadow Traveling Voltas
11. Reverse Turn
a) Lady’s Left Turn on 2nd Half
b) Lady’s Right Turn on 1st Half
12. Corta Jaca
13. Closed Rocks
14. Back Rocks
15. Plait
16. Rolling Off the Arm
17. Natural Roll
a) Side Chassé
b) Shadow Position
18. Promenade and Counter Promenade Runs
a) Double Hand Hold
b) Lady’s Turn to Left
19. Samba Locks
a) Man’s & Lady’s 3 Step Turns
b) Change of Sides
20. Cruzado Walks and Locks
21. Argentine Crosses
Dance Demonstration