Brazilian Zouk is a relatively new partner dance compared to other dances in Brazil or around the world. Also, unlike dances like Salsa, Bachata, Samba and Tango, Brazilian Zouk does not have particular style of music directly associated with the dance. In light of this, we created a course focused on Brazilian Zouk’s history and development, including the people, venues, and events that made and are still making the scene grow and thrive. 


In this lecture-style course with Gui Prada and Alisson Sandi, we will begin at the beginning of the Brazilian Zouk world. The classes cover the history of the dance and the music, the development of the dance, the scene, and the people that made it happen. 


Important note:

  • this is not a follow-along dance class; and

  • classes are in a lecture format.

HOW WILL I BENEFIT FROM THIS CLASS?

At District Zouk, we have a strong belief that understanding the roots, the people, and the culture that make the dance what it is makes your experience with Brazilian Zouk richer and more informed. This course will bring you knowledge that is valuable on your journey.

WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM?

We have 4 classes for you in this course, each on a different topic:

  • History of the Music - Zouk and Lambada

  • History of the Dance - Brazilian Zouk

  • The Professionals - Who developed and grew the dance

  • The Events - Types of events and impact on the community

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS COURSE?

  • High quality recorded lectures

    Detailed lectures each between 30 and 40 minutes long that you can watch and rewatch.

  • References for further study

    The class materials include many links to videos, music and articles to complement your learning.

  • Opportunity to ask questions

    You can interact with our instructors by posting questions on the lectures.

  • Learn at your own pace

    You can watch the lectures all at once or on your own schedule. You'll have access to the videos and course materials for 90 days.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

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Instructors

Senior Instructor Alisson Sandi

Alisson Sandi began his dance career at the age of 15 in São Paulo, Brazil, where he was born. Over the years he trained in Brazilian, Latin and International Ballroom dancing with Jaime Arôxa, Renata Peçanha, Alex de Carvalho, Rodrigo Delano, and others. In 2007, he joined the Juan Rando Dance Academy (JRDA) in Perth, Australia, and stayed in Australia through 2019 teaching in multiple cities and around the world. Alisson has held performances and workshops in over 41 countries, and holds titles including 2x Pro World Champion, 3x Australian Pro Champion, and Winner/Finalist of various BZDC All Stars/Champions Jack and Jill Comps. He is one of the the founders and the first choreographers of the International Zouk Flash Mob. He has also been an official judge for the Brazilian Zouk Dance Council since its first competition event. Alisson has a passion for teaching and is known for his attention to detail and effective instruction in dance techniques. Recently Alisson completed the 50-hour lambada certification course with Master Braz, and is looking forward to practicing and teaching more lambada and sharing it with the dancers and community here and in Washington, DC.

Senior Instructor Gui Prada

Gui Prada started dancing in 2004 inspired by the movie "Shall We Dance?". He began to dive deep into dance in 2006 as a work-study trainee of the Jaime Arôxa Dance School in Rio de Janeiro. Jaime Arôxa, one of the creators of Brazilian Zouk, was the head instructor and was a mentor for the most accomplished dancers in Brazil. During his 6 years as a member of the school's team, he learned all Brazilian partner dances (Forró, Samba de Gafieira, Soltinho, Bolero and Zouk) as well as Argentine Tango. After he left the school, he continued dancing and learning from other remarkable instructors, including Fabiano Vivas, Kelly Reis, Érico Rodrigo, Guilherme Pimentel and many others. Since then he has focused his training and research on taking the best of each of these dances and applying it to the close embrace, with the purpose of conveying a sense of well-being and relaxation to dance partners. In 2016 he attended the first Zouk Retreat in Valencia, led by Xandy Liberato, Brenda Carvalho and Anderson Mendes. After that, his research on partner dancing took a new direction, as he continued working with Brenda and Anderson to seek for the application of the concepts explored at the retreat in different ways by using the references of the other Brazilian partner dances and Argentinian Tango. As a result, the importance of the basic steps and concepts became evident, since it is through them that all dances reach another level. Gui is looking forward to sharing his technique and training with students here in Washington DC to help them improve their basics, comfort and confidence on the dance floor.