A young woman demonstrates how to dance the lambada. Watch her wiggle and point her toes. Lambada originated in Brazil in the 1980s, although it has roots in traditional dances such as carimbó (originating in the north of Brazil) and has also been influenced by Caribbean rhythms, merengue, salsa and forró. Lambada became a global phenomenon in 1989 thanks to the hit “Lambada” by the French group Kaoma. It is characterized by undulating movements of the whole body that match the musical rhythm. At the height of its fame, it was often associated with very short skirts and a summery, beachy atmosphere.