zouk classes in medellin

Zouk dancing has been growing in popularity in Medellín, Colombia.

Before 2020, zouk was relatively unknown in Medellín, with only a small number of dancers practicing the style. Most Latin dance venues played primarily salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton, leaving little space for zouk to develop. However, as international dance influences spread and more dancers were introduced to Brazilian zouk, the demand for zouk classes and social events began to rise.

In response to this increasing interest, DANCEFREE started offering private zouk classes, and offered the local community of zouk dancers a third environment during its dance socials and bar hours for zouk only or a combination of kiz-zouk (kizomba and zouk), when they would collectively like to participate, contributing to the development of the local zouk scene. DANCEFREE also reached out to local zouk dancers with regarding their playlist preferences and other nuances, such as transitions between zouk songs, similar to the house music experience, so dancing doesn’t need to stop and can be representative of the organic, continuous movement and flow embodied by zouk. Today, zouk has established itself as a growing dance style in Medellín, attracting dancers who appreciate its fluidity, expressiveness, and close partner connection.

Here is some basic information about zouk, to get you started:

  • Zouk music is generally structured in counts of 8 beats, though dancers often interpret the rhythm with a flowing connection rather than strict step patterns.

  • The basic zouk movement consists of weight transfers with soft, grounded steps and a continuous wave-like motion.

  • The leader typically begins with the left foot, while the follower starts with the right foot.

  • Brazilian zouk, the most widely known style, developed from the original Caribbean zouk music and lambada dance in Brazil during the 1990’s.

  • Zouk incorporates smooth body movements, head rolls, tilts, and circular motions, requiring strong balance and control.

  • The dance emphasizes connection, elasticity, and fluidity, with a focus on leading and following through body movement rather than rigid arm tension.

  • Some key zouk techniques include body isolations, chest expansions, counterbalance, and head movements that create an illusion of effortless motion.

  • Zouk is often danced to a wide range of music, including traditional zouk, remixes of pop and R&B songs, electronic music, and contemporary fusion beats.

  • Some of the most famous zouk artists and producers include Kassav’, Kaysha, Anselmo Ralph, DJ Kakah, and DJ Nyx.

  • The dance has evolved into various styles, including traditional Caribbean zouk, Brazilian zouk, and neo-zouk, each with its own characteristics and influences.

DANCEFREE offers private zouk classes in person in Medellín, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are available 7 days a week, while our online classes are on weekdays only, subject to availability. We have experienced zouk instructors who teach students at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced dancers. If you would like to take private zouk classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.