Samba
Syllabus

5. Volta Movements

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5. Volta Movements
There are three types of Vita Movements: Traveling Volta, Circular Volta, and Spot Volta. Volta Movements may begin with either F or LF, and are used in a variety of ways throughout the Samba syllabus. The alignment, amount of turn, and lead for Volta Movements depends on the specific figure. The basic foot placement for any Volta Movement is as described in 5a or 5b, Traveling Volta to Left or to Right.
5c. Circular Voltas
This is the Volta making up approximately one complete turn to the right or left over two bars of music. The front foot travels around the circumference of a small circle. The Circular Volta is used in the Maypole - figure 22 [Leader only), Shadow Circular Volta - figure 23, and Roundabout - figure 25.
5d. Spot Voltas
This is the Volta making up one complete turn over one bar of music. After the first step is placed, the ball of the front foot remains on the spot. Turn is made between steps 2 and 3 by swiveling on the ball of the front foot, then lowering the front heel as the Cuban Cross is achieved. In more advanced versions, up to two complete turns may be made. The Spot Volta is used in the following figures:
  • Follower 1-3 of Spot Turn to R under raised arm while Leader dances Whisk to L, or Follower 1-3 Spot Volta to L under raised arm while Leader dances Whisk to R;
  • Solo Spot Volta - figure 11;
  • Maypole (Follower only) - figure 22.
Also, Follower dances 1-3 of Spot Volta turning to R under raised arms as an ending to the following figures:
  • Criss Cross Bota Fogos - figure 7;
  • Argentine Crosses - figure 21;
  • Follower dances 1-3 of Spot Volta in Foot Changes 12a and 12b;
  • Leader and Follower dance 1-3 of Spot Volta in Foot Changes 12c and 12d.
A slight inclination of the body to the right may be used when the Volta begins with the RF, or the the left when beginning with the LF. The degree of inclination may be gradually increased in proportion to the amount of turn used.