District Zouk

District Zouk Advanced Training Team

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Kuna’s journey to Brazilian Zouk started about 10 years ago. As an established videographer and photographer, Kuna was hired to photograph a zouk event, where his talent and ability to capture the beauty of zouk was discovered. Brazilian Zouk congresses around the world started hiring him to film and photograph their events, igniting his love affair with the dance. Kuna traveled across the globe as a filmmaker, while simultaneously learning from the most recognizable Zouk instructors. He became passionate about mastering the technique and intricate details of leading to not only improve his dance, but to also create a comfortable and smooth experience for those he dances with. For the past several years, Kuna has logged over 8,000 hours of social dancing, obtained teacher training from some of the most esteemed Zouk instructors (including Kim Rottier, Bruno Galhardo, Ry’El & Jessica, and Brenda & Anderson), and has danced with close to a hundred different dance communities around the world. In just a few short years, he has cultivated a skill level that’s inline with the top professionals and has become one of the most desirable and recognizable names within the Zouk community. Kuna went from being behind the camera to starring in front of it as an instructor at Zouk congresses and as a lover of zouk who can always be found dancing the night away. Today, Kuna continues to share his love of videography and dance with Zouk communities both big and small. He’s passionate about sharing all that he’s learned and has taught some of the biggest classes in the world, but still spends his time supporting the growth of smaller communities. Kuna’s classes are going to feel intimate no matter the size as he makes the effort to know each dancer personally. He has a unique approach to teaching that sometimes pushes dancers outside of their comfort zones, but never without a positive outcome. He is constantly looking to improve as both a dancer and instructor, which benefits all those lucky enough to cross paths with him in the zouk world. He will make jokes, half of which won’t be funny, but try to laugh anyway.

Tori began her partner dance journey in 2009 with salsa and bachata and fell in love with Brazilian Zouk in 2015. She developed her style through extensive exploration, practice, and social dancing, with a focus on connection, flow, and creating dances that feel genuinely enjoyable for both partners. She has taught and danced in communities across North America, South America, Europe, and Australia, centering the social dance experience through presence, responsiveness, and mutual enjoyment. As an instructor, Tori helps dancers create fluid, satisfying social dances by improving connection and listening. She is especially known for guiding dancers beyond steps and into connection, using clear, efficient technique to create more comfortable, connected, and enjoyable dances.