Steps taken by Brazilian leader — a star (5,4)

I believe the answer is:

bossa nova

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'steps taken' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'by brazilian leader a star' is the wordplay.
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'brazilian leader' becomes 'boss' (boss is a kind of leader. I am not sure about the 'brazilian' bit.).
'star' becomes 'nova' (nova is a kind of star).
'boss'+'a' is 'bossa'.
'bossa'+'nova'='BOSSA NOVA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bossa nova that I've seen before include "lively dance" , "Brazilian music, rhythmically related to the samba" , "Brazil's measure" , "steps taken" , "(Music for) a Brazilian dance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app