Neither in steps nor in body motions does the Brazilian samba bear any relation to the Cuban rumba or the fast-fading conga ... a varied assortment of strange drums, dried vegetables, bits ...

But for many samba fanatics, drums are the beating heart of the party. And the maestro’s hand swings, flicks, twists and pointing transform potential cacophony into transcendent synchrony.

Many say the heart of every Samba School is their drum section. To keep it pumping in the right tempo, Mocidade Samba School's 240 rhythmists obey the many hand swings, flicks, twists and pointing ...