Brazil owes much of its musicality to Africa, including the most famous Brazilian beat - the samba. Legend goes that it all started in Downtown Rio, in the house of a freedwoman named Tia Ciata (Aunt Ciata). It used to stand in the spot where today is the Terreirão do Samba, next to the Sambodrome.

You can enjoy genuine samba at a samba school rehearsal. They happen at the quadras (courts) where local communities gather to do the samba, and practice for the upcoming Carnival Parade. The beat is contagious, and the pepper-hot music will first make your shoulders shake, then your start to tap. Before you realize, you are in the middle of the court having the time of your life! Go with an escorted group, as these areas are tricky to get to. Once you're inside it's very safe.

Samba de salão, the ballroom samba, is one of the most sensual beats for a couple to dance to. Many Cariocas take lessons of ballroom samba, and you are welcome to join the fun. To get started you have to learn a simple basic step. Let a local friend take the lead, and get down! Talented instructors like legendary Maria Antonieta, Jaime Arôxa and Carlinhos de Jesus are among the talents that help Rio keep samba on its toes.

The perfect place to practice your newly acquired dance skills are the samba parlors, the gafieiras. Some of them, like Estudantina, have been around for decades. A visit is almost mandatory. The atmosphere is familiar and friendly. You may invite ladies to dance, and they may also pick you up. It would be rude to say no. There aren't specific salsa clubs in Rio (lotsa people ask...) but salsa, lambada and other ballroom beats are part of the repertoire of any decent gafieira.