Brazilian Zouk is a partner dance that began in Brazil in the early 1990s. It developed from Lambada, a fast and energetic dance that became less popular when its music style faded. To keep the dance alive, dancers started using Zouk music from the Caribbean, creating a fusion known as Lambazouk. Over time, the dance evolved, with smoother movements, more body expression, and a wider variety of music styles. This evolution led to what is now called Brazilian Zouk.
Brazilian Zouk is known for its flowing steps, body isolations, and unique head movements. It allows for close connection between partners while also giving dancers the freedom to interpret the music creatively. Today, Brazilian Zouk is danced worldwide to many types of music, including pop, R&B, electronic, and Latin beats. The dance continues to grow, with a thriving community in the Netherlands and beyond.
As of 2019, two of the most popular branches of Zouk are Brazilian Zouk (Rio) and Lambazouk. Lately Lambazouk has been using the name Lambada again. Several styles of Zouk have evolved, and the dances continue to evolve as Zouk gains popularity around the world.
Lambada (or Zouk lambada, or Lambazouk, or Porto Seguro style) has the closest connection to the original Lambada. Lambada is danced to Caribbean Zouk music, which has a steady beat and higher energy.
Brazilian Zouk (or Rio-style Zouk) evolved to be danced to a wider range of music, including pop, R&B, electronic, and Latin beats, allowing for more versatility.
From these two main styles, there are a few sub-styles that can easily be danced together because they follow similar fundamentals and timing.
Mzouk is the only style that started outside Brazil, in Mallorca, Spain. Instead of using fixed step patterns, Mzouk names each movement separately. This allows dancers to create their own patterns by combining different movements in a sequence.
Soulzouk is based on the biomechanic of body movements and also on mutual understanding to have a more organic and natural dance; both the leader and the follower are taking active parts in creating the dance.
Neozouk is a style based on circular movements and a philosophy of energy exchange.
There are more Zouk styles in the world, but the styles mentioned above can be found in The Netherlands.
It doesn't matter which Zouk style you start with. Try them out and see for yourself which one you like best.
Brazilian Zouk & Lambada
Brazilian Dance Masters (BDM)
(Gilson, Felipe/Bruna)
Website | Facebook
Brazilian Zouk
Brazilian Zouk Amsterdam (BZA)
(Gert & Eva)
Danca Zouk
(Wendell)
Website
Mzouk
Leeslo Dance
(Leticia)
Facebook
Neozouk
Vibe Latina
(Ruanita)
Facebook | Website
Lambada
Brasazouk
(Vanderlei Moreira)
Facebook
If content needs update, please contact Michel Mens