Samba: Brazil's beautiful dance celebrates life

With the beat of a drum and the swing of sequined hips, samba is known the world over as the essence of Brazil.

The Mangueira do Amanha junior samba school perform during the juniro carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 4, 2014. The parade is competed by 16 Junior samba schools (Getty)

The rhythm that never gets old.

With the beat of a drum and the swing of sequined hips, it's known the world over as the essence of Brazil.

Beth Carvahlo is one of the great dames of Samba in Brazil.

She says samba is like a religion. And with its roots in Africa, it has a spiritual connection with Brazilians, starting from a young age.

Samba is known the world over as the essence of Brazil. (SBS)

“Brazil is a very multi-cultural country. But samba transcends all barriers, it communicates to everyone, especially the black community,” said Ms Carvalho.

From its origins, Samba has evolved to now include influences from popular culture.

One form of the music is the Bahian dance circle style, Samba de Roda, which has been recognised by UNESCO as a heritage of humanity. 

That style and others are taught to Brazilians in samba schools, popular spots with locals and visitors alike.

Whether it's at samba schools, or in homes and parks around the country, to Brazilians, samba is more than just a past time; it's a celebration of their way of life.