Zouk is a dance that is popular in Brazil and Europe and is emerging now in Toronto. It is a partner dance characterized by flowing motion and upper body isolations, giving rise to women’s dramatic “hair movements”.
The following is an example of Zouk dancing by famous Brazilian instructors Kadu Pires & Larissa Thayane:
Unlike salsa, which is led with the hands; Brazilian zouk is led by more parts of the body, such as the glued-to-each-other hips of the partners. In basic movements the hips move first, followed by the rest of the body, and this is part of what makes the dance so sensual. In various moves the dance partners are also connected by eye contact, legs, arms, shoulders, and even heads!
Here is another exciting Zouk demo by Rafael Oliveria and Yasmin Coelho from the school Centro de Dança Alex de Carvalho.
Perhaps one of the attractions of Zouk is that it truly contrasts the man’s and woman’s roles. The man takes on a very dominant role, while the woman takes a very submissive role, almost becoming a “rag-doll” that is gently manipulated by the man. The man can thus take satisfaction in how well he guides and supports the female partner, while the woman can explore totally “letting go” and being sensitive to the man’s lead.
Several instructors are now teaching Zouk in Toronto, being originally from Brazil or having recently taken workshops from visiting instructors from Europe and the USA.
Now you can finally join the new Zouk movement and find out for yourself why this sensual dance is rapidly rising in popularity!
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