We often hear the “Girl from Impanema” but none of us remember what the Bossa > Nova dance steps/style were. Anyone remember?
I’ve actually never physically seen anyone dance the Bossa Nova nor have I heard of anyone who offers lessons in it. However, a little over a year ago, I bought an old 1970’s ballroom dance book just for kicks. In it was a description of several basic movements from the Bossa Nova. It was described with a rhythm of: 1 2 & 3 4 & (or SQQSQQ or however else you like to describe it). The gentleman’s side basic, commencing in 1st foot position, was described as follows: step 1 (count 1) – LF to side in 2nd foot position step 2 (count 2) – RF closes to LF slightly back in 3rd foot position step 3 (count &) – replace weight to LF step 4 (count 3) – RF to side in 2nd foot position step 5 (count 4) – LF closes to RF slightly back in 3rd foot position step 6 (count &) – replace weight to RF The lady’s part was described as the natural opposite. A similar forward/backward basic movement was also described in the book. [Jeremy Powell] In the book Discotheque Dances (Dick Blake, long out of print)
