Analysis of Samba Bounce in Latin American Dancing

Abstract

Samba Bounce is analysed in the mechanical point of view. There have been confusion and misunderstanding among the dance teachers as they explain the bounce action designating the height of the body and the force in relation to the music timing. Bounce action has been explained in the syllabus using special terms such as “minimal weight”, “part weight”, “without weight but with pressure” and other terms. These confusions and somewhat ambiguous terms in the scientific sense are clearly resolved by the present mechanical analysis and interpreted with newly introduced concept of “static weight” and “dynamic weight”. In the presentation, the bounce movement is expressed as a simple harmonic vertical motion. The height position, vertical velocity and acceleration of dancer’s body are shown with the forces between the floor and each foot. The difference between dancer’s feeling and observer’s feeling is also explained. figures.