Samba was first danced in Rio by immigrants from Bahia who kept up the musical customs of their native Africa. With its emphasis on gyrating hips, pulsing backsides, and skimpy clothing, samba exudes sexiness. Much of the city’s dance scene is centered in the Lapa neighborhood. Here, old school dance halls established in the 1920s stand next to modern bars and clubs. Rio Scenarium and Carioca da Gema are popular with couples who want to dance to live music until dawn.
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Hit the dance floor
Samba was first danced in Rio by immigrants from Bahia who kept up the musical customs of their native Africa. With its emphasis on gyrating hips, pulsing backsides, and skimpy clothing, samba exudes sexiness. Much of the city’s dance scene is centered in the Lapa neighborhood. Here, old school dance halls established in the 1920s stand next to modern bars and clubs. Rio Scenarium and Carioca da Gema are popular with couples who want to dance to live music until dawn.