FAQ | Zouk Dance Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Brazilian Zouk is a partner dance that evolved from Lambada. In 1993, Lambada became very popular as a dance form after it was featured in a Brazilian soap opera. Alas, its popularity did not last, and production and availability of Lambada music declined. The dancers who tried to continue this dance form found a new genre of music that they could dance to – Zouk (from the French Caribbean islands). However, as the music was slower than Lambada, the dancers began evolving their dance style, to better suit the music. The slower speed also gave dancers more opportunity to incorporate body movement into their dance.

The birth and popularity of Brazilian Zouk is mainly credited to Renata Pecanha and Adilio Porto. Their style of Zouk incorporates elements of Brazilian dances, such as Bolero, Samba de Gafiera, as well as contemporary dance. Today, there are many practitioners who have also included their own style and techniques, to create a variety of dance styles, but all with the same roots. Examples include NeoZouk, SoulZouk, ZoukFlow, Zouk R&B.

Brazilian Zouk is continuously evolving, with new techniques and movements being introduced from year to year. As musicality is one of the core tenets of Brazilian Zouk, the dance is also influenced by changes in musical styles. The constant evolution is one of the reasons dancers find Brazilian Zouk so exciting and challenging!

Check out this video of a Zouk dance social, featuring internationally acclaimed Zouk artiste, William Teixeira, with the students of Zouk Dance Academy.

What are the course fees?

Are there make-up/replacement classes?

The short answer is no. But if you paid for a course, you can always come back for the same-level course, as often as you like, for free (subject to space availability of course). You can attend the lesson you missed, as well as all the other lessons you’ve already done. In fact, we highly encourage students to return for courses they’ve already completed. It takes a lot more than a single attendance, to truly master what you’ve learnt.

Do you have any trial classes?

How many instructors in a course?

Do I need a partner?

Not at all. Many students come for the class alone, or with a group of friends. In any case, during the class, you will be partnered up with your classmates. Partners will be rotated during each class so that everyone gets a chance to have a partner. If we have an imbalance, students without partners simply wait between pairs for the next rotation. We will be rotating partners frequently throughout the class.

Where can I dance Brazilian Zouk?

We run a weekly PURE ZOUK dance practica on Saturdays, from 930pm to 1230am at Dance Channel @ Burlington Square or Danz Artistica @ ICB Enterprise (depending on which studio is available for that date). Entry is $8.

Due to current Safe Management Measures, attendance is by-invitation only, and only for those who have been fully vaccinated. We hope to be able to open up the dance practica to all dancers again, once the restrictions are lifted.

What is PURE ZOUK?

What is ZOUKRUSH?

ZoukRush is an ad hoc event, where renowned and well respected Brazilian Zouk artistes are invited to teach workshops, social dance and/or perform at Zouk Dance Academy across several days. There are no recurring fixed dates, and ZoukRush may take place 1 to 3 times a year.

The event usually features a pair of artistes, who teach 6 to 8 group workshops over a weekend, and dance with participants over 3 or 4 Zouk social dance nights. Private lessons are usually available.

Invited guests have included Bruno Galhardo, Layssa Liebscher, Kamacho & Debby, Leo & Becky, Felipe & Erica, Arthur & Layssa, China SoulZouk, Val & Vanessa, and Brenda & Anderson.

Workshops and dance socials are usually held at Studio UP. Zouk dancers from all around the world are most welcome to join us for this exciting event!

Where can I see a calendar of events?

What style do you teach?

Students begin with our “Beyond Zouk” course, which is designed to help participants, from all walks of life, explore movement and touch, in a fun and safe manner. Through a series of engaging and playful exercises, participants learn to engage with each other on a variety of levels – through breath patterns and facial expressions, as well as through tactile sensations, using different points of the body, including the head and torso. They will learn about the different types of touch and how they can induce instinctive reactions from their partners.

Apart from learning how to connect, the course also focuses on internal physiological connection – understanding how to release and create tension in one’s body, the effects of body alignment and balance, use of the spine to dispel motion energy.

We teach a blend of styles, and explore lead-follow techniques through the use of energy, elasticity, breath, internal muscle tension. Traditional moves (as created by Renata Pecanha and Adilio Porto) such as lateral, viradinha, rau, etc, are taught using these concepts of movement. Our focus is on understanding partner movement as a result of energetic forces, rather than as a result of performing a series of pre-determined steps.

Students are also encouraged to explore different styles and develop their own style – one that allows to express themselves in their own unique way.

We believe in creating versatile dancers, well-rounded in all styles, to enable them to dance with a wide variety of Brazilian Zouk dancers, and to enjoy themselves in the process.

How long is each course?

What's your refund policy?

As long as you notify us of your cancellation at least 5 working days before the start of your class (Sat is not considered a working day), we’d be happy to arrange a full refund. Do note that no refunds can be given for requests made within 5 working days from the start of class, and after class has started. Classes are non-transferable.

If you’re not sure about the class, you’re most welcome to visit and observe the class of your interest before registering, or join on a per-lesson basis.

How do I make payment?

What should I wear for class?

For shoes – Anything that stays with your entire foot when you lift it, and allows you to pivot comfortably on hard wood floors. A little bit of traction will be helpful for staying grounded. Absolutely NO slippers, mules, wedges, platforms or footwear shoes, or anything that leaves your heel when you lift your foot. Flats and dance heels are both allowed. Sneakers are also allowed, as long as they do not have too much friction when you pivot.

For clothes – Anything that’s comfortable and allows easy movement of your arms and legs especially. Office wear or exercise gear is fine too. Preferably no short, tight skirts which restrict movement, and no long flowing skirts, which tend to obscure the feet.

Can I stay with the same partner?

Rotating partners is not solely for social reasons; it is critical to the learning process. Although everyone has a different style, the “lead” signals that are used are generally standardized (within the different styles). Therefore, if your lead signals are clear (as a leader), or if you’re able to interpret these signals accurately (as a follower), then you should be able to dance with any dancer. Dancing with different partners will give you a true test of whether your leading/following technique is correct.

We strongly recommend rotating partners. However, if you do not wish to rotate partners, do let us know at the start of class.

Alternatively, you can also do a private class instead. With a private class, you can structure it according to your preference and learn at your own pace. If you would like to arrange for a private class, please click here.

Do I need to register for Free refreshers?

Do you offer private lessons?

Do I need to be fully vaccinated in order to attend class?

Where are classes held?

Is Brazilian Zouk similar to Salsa, Bachata or Kizomba?

Brazilian Zouk is a partner dance, just like Salsa, Bachata or Kizomba. Unlike Salsa, which is mainly led by the hands, Brazilian Zouk emphasizes that leaders must express their movement intention by the body, so that followers can understand the lead through multiple channels. This results in a sensitive and light hand connection between leader and follower, and full engagement of the body at all times.

Zouk dancers can also choose to change the beat that they step on, “stretch” their movements over several beats, quicken specific steps, or follow syncopated rhythms, as dictated by the music. Their steps do not need to follow a regular beat throughout. Zouk dancers place musicality and connection above all else. Dancers are free to use their bodies to interpret different aspects of the music, and not just the percussive beats.

Unlike Bachata and Kizomba, the basic steps involve more of a gliding, forwards/backwards movement, and there is a lot more flow and dynamic movement in the dance.

The most characteristic features of Brazilian Zouk are the use of body movement, circular head and chest movements, Cambré, and off-axis movements in turns and spins. As these movements are very challenging, they are only taught after one has completed Brazilian Zouk Part 5 and passed the ensuing assessment. Good balance and a strong foundation are necessary in the learning of such moves.

Due to the rigorous nature of the classes at Zouk Dance Academy, students often find that their time at Zouk Dance Academy has an obvious and positive effect on their skill level in other dances!