Dance Styles that we Offer!

Journey Through Zouk, Bachata, Kizomba, Urbankiz, and Salsa

Brazilian Zouk

Unlock Your Creativity on the Dance Floor

A dance style that is all about fluidity, creativity and connection. Born in Brazil during the 1990’s in Porto Seguro. This unique dance has roots from Lambada and infused with influences from Forró, Samba, Axé, Tango, Bolero, Contemporary, Ballroom and more.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, Brazilian zouk offers a dynamic dance experience with close embraces, body isolations, and head movement that create a beautiful connection between partners.

  • Brazilian Zouk is renowned for its fluid and flowing movements, emphasizing intricate body isolations, dynamic partner connection, and expressive musicality.

    Dancers often engage in close embraces, allowing for a deeper connection and communication through subtle movements and shifts in weight.

  • Brazilian Zouk has evolved into a distinct dance style with a greater focus on sensual, flowing movements and connection between partners compared to the energetic pace of Lambada or the grounded steps of Forró.

  • Brazilian Zouk's development has been influenced by a fusion of dance styles including Samba, Tango, Bolero, Contemporary, and Ballroom, contributing to its versatility and richness of movement vocabulary.

  • While traditionally danced to Zouk music, Brazilian Zouk enthusiasts often explore a variety of genres such as R&B, hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance music, showcasing the dance's adaptability and versatility.

  • Brazilian Zouk provides a platform for artistic expression and creativity, encouraging dancers to interpret music through unique movements, styling, and improvisation, fostering individuality and self-expression on the dance floor.

  • Despite its growing popularity, Brazilian Zouk is sometimes misunderstood as being exclusively sensual or requiring prior dance experience.

    In reality, Brazilian Zouk welcomes dancers of all levels and offers a diverse range of styles and expressions beyond just sensuality.

  • Brazilian Zouk events and festivals often attract dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and connection through a shared passion for dance. This contributes to the creation of inclusive and vibrant dance communities worldwide.

  • Yes, Brazilian Zouk encompasses various styles and interpretations, ranging from traditional to contemporary, sensual to fusion.

    Each style offers unique movement vocabulary, musicality, and aesthetic preferences, catering to the diverse preferences of dancers.

  • Beginners can start by attending beginner-friendly classes or workshops led by experienced instructors.

    It's important to focus on building a strong foundation in fundamental techniques such as body movement, connection, and musicality, while also embracing the joy of learning and exploring new movements.

  • Brazilian Zouk provides a holistic approach to fitness by combining physical activity with artistic expression and social interaction.

    The dance promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility, coordination, and balance, while also reducing stress and enhancing mental focus and creativity.

Bachata

The Rhythm of the Caribbean

Learn the language of connection with one of the biggest romantic dances from the Dominican Republic!

Bachata is a music genre as well as a dance rooted in Indigenous, African, and European cultures.

We offer 3 styles of Bachata, ranging from traditional to more sensual styles, so there's a Bachata that's perfect for you!

  • Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic, drawing influences from Indigenous, African, and European cultures. Its music and dance style reflect this rich cultural fusion, incorporating elements from traditional Dominican music with African rhythms and European melodies.

  • The traditional style of Bachata is characterized by its slower tempo, emphasizing the connection between partners through close body contact and intricate footwork.

    In contrast, the more sensual styles of Bachata often incorporate fluid body movements, dips, and spins, adding a heightened sense of romance and intimacy to the dance.

  • Bachata is primarily danced to music of the same name, which typically features guitar-driven melodies, percussion, and heartfelt lyrics.

    Bachata can also be danced to other music genres with a similar tempo and rhythm, allowing for versatility in dance styles and expression.

  • Bachata is often referred to as the "language of connection" due to its emphasis on partner connection, trust, and communication.

    Learning Bachata not only improves your dance skills but also enhances your ability to connect with others on a deeper level, both on and off the dance floor.

  • For beginners learning Bachata, it's important to focus on mastering the basic steps and building a strong foundation in timing, rhythm, and partner connection.

    Take your time to practice with patience and persistence, and don't be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from experienced dancers or instructors.

  • Yes, there are often opportunities for Bachata enthusiasts to showcase their choreographies or demonstrate their skills at various dance events, festivals, and socials.

    Participating in performances can be a rewarding way to share your passion for Bachata and connect with the dance community on a larger scale.

  • Dancers can further explore the different styles of Bachata by attending workshops, classes, and social dance events that focus on specific aspects of the dance, such as traditional Bachata, sensual Bachata, or Bachata fusion.

    Experimenting with different styles and techniques can help dancers expand their repertoire and refine their skills in Bachata dancing.

Kizomba

Dive into the Sensual Rhythms of Angola

Kizomba is an Angolan word which means “party” in the Kimbundu language. The Angolan expression Kizombadas in the 50’s referred to a big party.

Its a beautiful sensual African partner dance originating from Angola and becoming popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The dance is a derivative of Semba with a mix of kilapanda and Angolan merengue which is characterized by smooth and flowing movements, a close embrace, and a strong focus on connection and musicality between partners.

The music that accompanies kizomba is typically slow and sensual, with influences from Angolan semba and zouk music from the French Caribbean.

  • While Kizomba shares roots with Semba, it has distinct characteristics that set it apart.

    Kizomba is known for its smooth and flowing movements, close embrace, and strong focus on connection and musicality between partners. In contrast, Semba tends to be more energetic and incorporates more intricate footwork and solo movements.

  • Kizomba is characterized by its sensual and intimate nature, which is reflected in its close embrace, smooth movements, and connection between partners.

    The dance encourages a deep sense of connection and chemistry between dancers, creating a captivating and romantic atmosphere on the dance floor.

  • The music accompanying Kizomba is typically slow-paced and sensual, with influences from Angolan semba and zouk music from the French Caribbean.

    The rhythmic patterns and melodic compositions of Kizomba music set the tone for the dance, inspiring dancers to move with grace and emotion in response to the music's mood and tempo.

  • While Kizomba is primarily a partner dance characterized by close embrace and connection between partners, solo movements and styling are also incorporated into the dance.

    Solo Kizomba movements allow for individual expression and creativity on the dance floor.

  • Improving connection and musicality in Kizomba requires practice, patience, and attentive listening to the music.

    Focus on maintaining a strong frame with your partner, communicating through subtle cues, and interpreting the music's rhythm and melody with fluid movements and expression.

  • Yes, Kizomba social events and festivals are held worldwide, providing opportunities for dancers to gather, socialize, and dance to their heart's content.

    These events often feature workshops, performances, and social dancing sessions, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the Kizomba community and culture.

UrbanKiz

Embrace the Urban Dance Revolution

UrbanKiz is a dance style originated in France, which combines traditional Kizomba with contemporary urban music genres, such as: R&B, hip hop, electronic dance music. This fusion has made Urbankiz extremely popular in the international dance scene.

Urbankiz is danced in a close embrace, featuring linear movement, frequent syncopation, breaks, with emphasis on connection and musicality between partners with complex turns, footwork and body isolations.

This style is often taught and performed at Kizomba festivals and events, and is a great style to have next to your Kizomba tool kit of dance!

  • UrbanKiz is a fusion dance style that combines traditional Kizomba with contemporary urban music genres such as R&B, hip hop, and electronic dance music.

    This fusion gives UrbanKiz its unique flavor and makes it distinct from traditional Kizomba, appealing to a broader audience with its modern and dynamic approach.

  • UrbanKiz is danced to a mix of contemporary urban music genres, including R&B, hip hop, and electronic dance music.

    The diverse musical repertoire adds variety and excitement to UrbanKiz dancing, allowing dancers to explore different rhythms, melodies, and styles on the dance floor.

  • UrbanKiz emphasizes connection and musicality between partners, similar to traditional Kizomba.

    Dancers maintain a close embrace and engage in linear movement, frequent syncopation, and breaks, all while interpreting the music with intricate footwork, body isolations, and complex turns.

    This focus on connection and musicality enhances the dance experience and fosters a strong sense of partnership between dancers.

  • Yes, UrbanKiz incorporates a variety of techniques and styling elements that distinguish it from traditional Kizomba. These may include more dynamic footwork patterns, fluid body movements influenced by hip hop and urban dance styles, and creative improvisation in response to the music.

  • UrbanKiz has gained widespread popularity in the international dance scene due to its dynamic fusion of traditional Kizomba with contemporary urban music genres.

    The accessibility and appeal of UrbanKiz have led to its inclusion in Kizomba festivals and events worldwide, making it a prominent style that enriches the diversity of dance communities globally.

  • Yes, UrbanKiz enthusiasts often have opportunities to showcase their choreography or perform at various dance events, festivals, and socials.

    Participating in performances can be a rewarding way to share your passion for UrbanKiz and connect with the dance community on a larger scale.

  • Dancers can enhance their skills and proficiency in UrbanKiz through regular practice, attending workshops and classes led by experienced instructors, seeking feedback and guidance from mentors, and immersing themselves in the UrbanKiz community both locally and internationally.

    Continued learning and exploration are key to growth and mastery in UrbanKiz dancing.

Salsa

Where Every Step is a Celebration

Salsa is a popular social dance that originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico, but got its name in New York in the 1960s. It is danced to music of the same name and is characterized by its fast-paced footwork and intricate partner-work patterns.

Salsa is heavily influenced by various Latin and Afro-Cuban dance styles and is known for its high-energy and improvisational nature. Salsa dancers love to incorporate their own unique moves and styling into the dance.

Although there are a number of different styles of salsa, each with their own unique characteristics, salsa encourages creativity and expression, while also providing a great workout for the body and mind.

  • Salsa encompasses various styles, including Cuban Salsa (Casino), New York Style Salsa (Mambo), Los Angeles Style Salsa (LA Style), and Puerto Rican Salsa.

    Each style has its own unique footwork patterns, timing, and musicality, offering a diverse range of expressions within the dance.

  • Yes, dancing Salsa provides numerous health benefits, such as cardiovascular exercise, improved coordination, enhanced flexibility, and stress relief.

    The fast-paced footwork and dynamic partner-work engage multiple muscle groups, promoting physical fitness and mental well-being.

  • Absolutely! Salsa enthusiasts can participate in regular social dance events known as Salsa nights or Salsa socials, where they can dance to lively Salsa music, connect with other dancers, and showcase their skills in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

  • Salsa encourages individual expression and creativity, allowing dancers to add their unique styling and flair to the dance.

    Experiment with arm movements, body rolls, footwork variations, and musical interpretation to personalize your Salsa experience while staying true to its rhythmic essence.

  • Music is the heartbeat of Salsa dancing, driving the rhythm, energy, and emotion of the dance.

    Salsa music typically features a syncopated beat, lively percussion, and catchy melodies, inspiring dancers to synchronize their movements with the music's infectious groove and expressiveness.

  • Salsa transcends cultural boundaries and fosters connections among people from diverse backgrounds through a shared love of dance and music.

    Salsa events, workshops, and festivals provide opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration, and celebration, enriching the global dance community.

  • Yes, competitive Salsa dancing, often referred to as Salsa competitions or Salsa congresses, allows dancers to showcase their skills, creativity, and showmanship in front of judges and audiences.

    Competitions may feature various categories and levels, catering to dancers of different abilities and aspirations.

  • To advance in your Salsa dancing journey, attend regular classes, workshops, and social dance events to practice and refine your skills.

    Set specific goals, seek feedback from instructors, and immerse yourself in the Salsa community to continue learning, growing, and enjoying the dance to its fullest.