Samba de roda is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance that compliments Capoeira and practiced in Bahia.  During the time of colonialism, Capoeira eventually outlawed.  If necessary, during a "game" or "jogo" the berimbau player may change the rhythm to Cavalaria or Calvary.  This would alert the Capoeiristas that the Calvary or police were in the distance.  Shortly afterwards, the rhythm would change to Samba de Roda which is a faster verson of Cavalaria.  They participants would then gyrate to the beats as if they where just in mid celebration.

Over a period of generations, Africans blended their various circle dances into Samba de Roda.  There are many form of Samba dances and rhythms that were made popular in Rio by Bahians.  The colonialst once termed any thing that involved drumming and singing as "Samba".  Samba is Lundu or Lundum, a rhythm brought to Brazil by the Bantu slaves from Angola and surrounding area.