What is Brazilian Zouk?

Brazilian Zouk is a beautiful partner dance that evolved from the Brazilian dance Lambada in the early 1990s, characterized by flowing, wave-like movements and deep partner connection. It's known for its unique head movements, creative body isolations, and the ability to dance to many different music styles — not just traditional zouk music. Whether you're drawn to the sensual musicality or the playful connection with a partner, Brazilian Zouk welcomes dancers of all backgrounds with open arms.

Foundations Curriculum

As the name implies, foundations covers the foundational steps of Brazilian Zouk as well as key body movements and technique to support the unique partner dynamics of Brazilian Zouk. Some common steps we'll cover include:

• Basic (forward and backward) — getting moving with the "slow quick quick" rhythm
• Elastico — playful tension and release like a rubber band, a push-and-pull dynamic
• Lateral — the infinity step, partners traveling in opposite directions, moving together with different footwork
• Viradinha — "little turn," small pivot used to transition between steps
• Lunge and Simple Turn — truly two separate steps, but they pair so well together
• Soltinho — "free/loose," partners alternate turns orbiting each other
• Yo-Yo — follower winds in and out with traveling turns in opposite directions
• Bonus — a follow's traveling turn with 1.5 rotations, builds turning technique
• Pião — "spinning top", closed frame, both partners rotate together around a shared axis

Bachata Beginner Series

Bachata Beginner Series is a 4 week progressive beginner class for new and beginner bachata dancers. Each week, class will build off what was covered previously. Attendance is expected for all four weeks. If you miss a class, please make an effort to learn and practice what you missed. After completing the beginner series, you will have the opportunity to test into the intermediate class, or continue retaking the beginner series. Anyone who has completed the beginner series is welcome to drop-in to the beginner classes. New students are asked to start on the first day of class each month.

Beginner Curriculum
Week 1: Introduction to the basic (open to anyone)
Week 2: Left and Right Turns (must have taken week 1)
Week 3: Turn Variation "The Cuddle" (must have taken week 2)
Week 4: Turn Variation "Hammerlock" (must have taken week 3)

The Beginner Series of classes will introduce bachata, the basic footwork, left and right turn footwork, open position frame, closed position frame, how to establish and respect boundaries in frame, basic turn variations, including lead’s turn, follow’s turn, cuddle, and hammerlock. Check out the Bachata Beginner Series Playlist on Youtube.

Intermediate Classes

Intermediate classes are drop-in friendly, but will often build from one class to the next. They will cover different variations from the basic rhythm, body rolls, body movement, shadow position, fake turns, hip-led turns, hand tosses and numerous combinations. We will rely on foundational elements covered in the beginner class. Check out the Bachata Class Recaps Playlist on Youtube.

Salsa Beginner Series

Salsa Beginner Series is a 4 week progressive beginner class for new and beginner salsa dancers. Each week class will build off what was covered previously. If you miss a class, please make an effort to learn and practice what you missed. After completing the beginner series, you will have the opportunity to test into the intermediate class, or continue retaking the beginner series. Anyone who has completed the beginner series is welcome to drop-in to the beginner classes. New students are welcome to join any "Week 1" class.

Beginner Curriculum
Week 1: Introduction to the basic (open to anyone)
Week 2: Right Turns (must have taken week 1)
Week 3: Alternating Turn Variations (must have taken week 2)
Week 4: 7-Handholds and Haircombs (must have taken week 3)

The Beginner Series of classes will introduce salsa, the basic footwork, right turn footwork, open position frame, closed position frame, how to establish and respect boundaries in frame, basic turn variations, including lead’s turn, follow’s turn. Salsa Beginner Series Playlist on Youtube.

Intermediate Classes

Intermediate classes are drop-in friendly for students who have tested out of my Beginner Series. The intermediate classes will often build from one class to the next. They will cover different variations from the basic rhythm, hip-led turns, hand tosses and numerous combinations. We will rely on foundational elements covered in the beginner class.

Connection Dance Workshop

Through dance, explore connection with the self, each other, and the world around us. Together we create a space of authenticity, presence, and acceptance of any feelings of worry or self-doubt. Allow yourself to be supported in your pursuit of joy and connection in dance.

Each workshop will be different. No partner dance experience necessary. Come to one. Come to some. Come to all.

The space we create together is where the magic happens. For this reason, the doors will be closed once we begin and late arrivers will not be let in.

Classes will often involve movement in close personal space. Observe respectful hygiene, shower before attending, wear clean clothes, and avoid strongly scented perfumes/colognes.

Do bring... a bottle of water, clean indoor soft-soled shoes that won't leave black scuff marks on the floor (or just bring socks).