Time signature is 2/4, both beats are rather strong. Tempo is 50-56 barsf/min, or 100-112 beats/min. Beat 1 is typically divided in the proportion 3:1, in other words there is a weaker pulse 3/4 beats after 1 and 1/4 beats before 2. The extra pulse is denoted with the letter 'a'. Thus the characteristc samba rhythm can be written as
1.....a.2.......1.....a.2.......
| Basic movement |
| Whisk |
| Promenade walk |
| Side walk |
| Forward botafogo |