Question 1

What is Brazilian Zouk?

Accepted Answer

What is Zouk?
Zouk is a French word that means “Party”.

Brazilian Zouk is a Latin dance which began in Brazil during the early 1990s. It originated from a Brazilian dance called Lambada with influences from other Brazilian dances. 
In the 80’s, Lambada was very popular in Brazil and quickly gained worldwide notoriety through its music, especially because of the popularity of the band Kaoma, Beto Barbosa, among others, and different styles of music such as Samba-Reggae, Caribbean Zouk, Flamenco music, mainly Gipsy Kings, among others. TV shows, films and DJ’s also helped promote the dance and the music.

Lambada was a dance that dominated most nightclubs in Brazil, especially in Porto Seguro, São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro.
The most popular nightclubs in the 80’s and 90’s:
Porto Seguro – Reggae Night and Boca da Barra
Rio de Janeiro – Roxy Roller and Ilha dos Pescadores
São Paulo – Lambar, Mel and Reggae Night
Belo Horizonte – Casa Blanca and Cabaré Mineiro

Lambada’s popularity began to decline in the 90’s, and the remaining lovers began to use primarily Zouk Caribbean music to continue dancing Lambada. During this period people naturally began to call the dance French Lambada, because of the music being sung in French Creole. Following that the community began to call the dance Zouk.
Many other factors influenced the decrease in its popularity. It is important to mention that many Brazilian dancers/instructors were fundamental to help maintain the growth of the dance and they are dance references until today. Some of them are members of the Brazilian Dance Zouk Council such as: Jaime Arôxa, Renata Peçanha, Philip Miha, Rodrigo Delano and Gilson Damasco. Important dancers who supported and promoted the dance in their cities until today, among others.

As a result of the Zouk music having different characteristics from Lambada, soon the Lambada dance began to adapt to the Zouk music. the dance was naturally modified, acquiring different characteristics in various states of Brazil and some places in the world, creating interpretations and different styles of Zouk. 
There was a time when several names were created making it difficult for the community to promote Zouk dance. Several meetings and debates took place and the community understood that the name Zouk was inappropriate because the dance and music already existed in the Caribbean.

Around 2006, there was an important meeting at the Minas Zouk Congress (currently BH Zouk Congress) in Belo Horizonte, in order to define the official name of the dance and unite the community. The Brazilian Zouk name was decided by majority of votes. Until 2012, there were many meetings, lectures during dance congresses around the world to bring awareness and popularity to Brazilian Zouk name.

Source: https://www.brazilianzoukcouncil.com/dance-education/history-of-brazilian-zouk/

Question 2

What kind of music can you dance Brazilian Zouk to?

Accepted Answer

Here is a playlist...

Question 3

Do I need a partner to join classes, bootcamps, or socials?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! You can join our classes, bootcamps, and socials with or without a partner. We love mixing it up, so you'll dance with different people and learn faster. In classes, we rotate partners to keep things fresh. At socials, just dive in and dance with everyone. Enjoy the vibes and have a blast!

Question 4

What is a "social"?

Accepted Answer

Social dances are dances that have a social functions and context. Social dances are intended for participation rather than performance. They are often danced merely to socialise and for entertainment.

At social dance people meet up to dance and socialise. We put on music and enjoy dancing together!

Question 5

Which dance schools in Oslo offer classes in Brazilian Zouk?

Accepted Answer

There are currently two Dance Schools in Oslo that offer Brazilian Zouk classes:

- FeverDance. Mondays and Tuesdays. 
- EwaTrelaDans Wednesdays

From time to time Oslozouk-team is arranging socials, workshops with International Brazilian Zouk dancers and bootcamps.

Question 6

What should I bring with me to the class/social/bootcamp?

Accepted Answer

We advise to bring an extra change of T-shirt or top as it can get quite warm and a change may be needed. We also advise to bring a bottle of water to ensure hydration. Anything else that ensures hygiene & freshness.

DANCECLASS CHECKLIST
- Partner not needed. We rotate during the classes
- Comfortable clothes
- Shoes that don't stick to the floor. Flat sole. (it's perfectly fine to dance in socks)
- Water Bottle 
- A snack, in case you get hungry
- Deodorant, just in case
- Sometimes you dance so hard you need a towel or a change of clothing
- A gum, mints, just in case

Most important is that you bring good and positive energy!

Question 7

What happens in a private class?

Accepted Answer

In a private class, it's all about you and the teacher(s). Perfect for one-on-one learning, leveling up, getting detailed corrections, or focusing on a specific topic. It's also great for fresh inspiration, professional guidance, and breaking through any plateaus. Expect personalized attention and a big boost in your dancing!

Question 8

Which teachers offer private classes?

Accepted Answer

If you found the teacher you love, you can always ask if they offer privates.

Here are the local teachers in Oslo:
Val Danza and Rodrigo
Omar and Hilde
Petter Nøding aka Dj Viking
Josue and Kristin

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Frequently asked questions

What is Brazilian Zouk?

What kind of music can you dance Brazilian Zouk to?

Do I need a partner to join classes, bootcamps, or socials?

What is a "social"?

Which dance schools in Oslo offer classes in Brazilian Zouk?

What should I bring with me to the class/social/bootcamp?

What happens in a private class?

Which teachers offer private classes?

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