District Zouk Teams
Learn more about our teams and how to join them!
Meet the Teams!
ZoukNerds Team Training - The Art of Improvisation with Alisson & Hermela
Bom dia ZoukNerds! We're thrilled to launch our first-ever ZoukNerds Team Training in Washington DC, a unique 3-week intensive designed to unlock the secrets behind seamless, creative, and intuitive Zouk.
This isn't your typical class. We're building this experience together. By incorporating your specific questions and feedback, we'll delve into the "ZoukNerdy" details that truly elevate your dance.
We've heard your questions:
How do you connect techniques with such fluidity?
How did you think of creating this transition?
Where does your creative inspiration come from?
How do you gauge your partner's readiness and ability?
The answers lie in mastering adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and risk assessment – essential skills that transform improvised social dancing into a dynamic and deeply connected experience. We'll break down these concepts in a practical, engaging way, showing you how they apply to every step, transition, and musical interpretation.
Join us to co-create each session, deepen your understanding, and transform your Zouk. Let's explore the "how" and "why" behind the magic of Zouk together.
SCHEDULE
Wednesdays, 8:50-10:30 pm
DanceSport Dupont Circle (2201 P St NW, Washington, DC)
April 9 - 23
TRAINING TEAM w/ Tori & Kuna: Round Two!
Ready to push your Brazilian Zouk to the next level? If you don’t mind working hard and having a blast while doing it, we’d love to have you in the next iteration of Kuna & Tori's Training Team!
They’re keeping the intensity high and the vibes fun as we drill, refine, and explore movement in a way that makes your dancing feel smoother, sharper, and more effortless.
Here’s the game plan:
🔥 Solo drills to upgrade your technique – agility, balance, mobility, and flow. Your muscles might protest, but they’ll thank you later.
🛠️ Partnered drills to break down and rebuild key movement concepts – think of it as dance Lego, but way cooler.
🔬 Lab time to experiment and make it your own – no lab coats needed, just a curious mindset and a willingness to play.
By the end, you won’t just be learning—you’ll be training to analyze and refine your dancing anytime, anywhere. (Even while waiting for your coffee.)
Let’s get to work! Who’s in?
SCHEDULE
Wednesdays, 8:50-10:30pm
DanceSport Dupont Circle (2201 P St NW, Washington, DC)
April 30 - May 28
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Tori and Kuna both discovered Brazilian Zouk through different paths, but their shared love for the dance has taken them around the world and into the hearts of Brazilian Zouk communities everywhere. While they’ve shared countless hours dancing together socially, they each bring their own unique perspective and passion to teaching.
Tori began partner dancing in 2009 with salsa and bachata before falling in love with Zouk in 2015. Without formal dance training, she spent hundreds of hours learning through exploration and practice, focusing on connection, flow, and making every dance feel deeply enjoyable for both partners. Her social dancing experience spans North America, South America, Europe, and Australia, always prioritizing the social dance experience over performance or aesthetics.
Kuna was first introduced to Brazilian Zouk through his work as a videographer. After filming several Brazilian Zouk events, he quickly became captivated by the dance itself. His journey has taken him across the globe, learning from some of the most renowned Zouk instructors, and he has logged over 8,000 social dancing hours. He’s trained with instructors such as Kim Rottier, Bruno Galhardo, Ry’El & Jessica, and Brenda & Anderson, and has danced with nearly a hundred different Brazilian Zouk communities worldwide. His deep passion for the dance has made him one of the most recognizable names in Brazilian Zouk, both for his social dancing and his teaching.
Together, they’ve danced socially across the world and are passionate about sharing the joy of Brazilian Zouk with others. With their individual experiences and approaches, they aim to help dancers connect to the essence of Brazilian Zouk: creating meaningful, flowing, and enjoyable social dance experiences. Whether you take a class with Tori, Kuna, or both, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of what makes Zouk a truly special dance.
Wednesdays, 8:50-10:30pm
DanceSport Dupont Circle (2201 P St NW, Washington, DC)
April 30 - May 28
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Tori and Kuna both discovered Brazilian Zouk through different paths, but their shared love for the dance has taken them around the world and into the hearts of Brazilian Zouk communities everywhere. While they’ve shared countless hours dancing together socially, they each bring their own unique perspective and passion to teaching.
Tori began partner dancing in 2009 with salsa and bachata before falling in love with Zouk in 2015. Without formal dance training, she spent hundreds of hours learning through exploration and practice, focusing on connection, flow, and making every dance feel deeply enjoyable for both partners. Her social dancing experience spans North America, South America, Europe, and Australia, always prioritizing the social dance experience over performance or aesthetics.
Kuna was first introduced to Brazilian Zouk through his work as a videographer. After filming several Brazilian Zouk events, he quickly became captivated by the dance itself. His journey has taken him across the globe, learning from some of the most renowned Zouk instructors, and he has logged over 8,000 social dancing hours. He’s trained with instructors such as Kim Rottier, Bruno Galhardo, Ry’El & Jessica, and Brenda & Anderson, and has danced with nearly a hundred different Brazilian Zouk communities worldwide. His deep passion for the dance has made him one of the most recognizable names in Brazilian Zouk, both for his social dancing and his teaching.
Together, they’ve danced socially across the world and are passionate about sharing the joy of Brazilian Zouk with others. With their individual experiences and approaches, they aim to help dancers connect to the essence of Brazilian Zouk: creating meaningful, flowing, and enjoyable social dance experiences. Whether you take a class with Tori, Kuna, or both, you’ll leave with a stronger understanding of what makes Zouk a truly special dance.
FOLLOWERS TRAINING TEAM w/ Elena
District Zouk Followers Team - Season 7: World Comp Edition
Welcome back to the DZ Followers Team! This season we are kicking it up a notch to be competition ready in August and represent District Zouk at the 2025 Brazilian Zouk World Championships! (Participation in that competition is not a requirement to join, however, it is the highlight of the season so we encourage you to consider it!)
We'll be returning to the two-hour format with an hour of cross-training and advanced zouk technique followed by an hour of choreography. You’re sure to find new ways to personalize your dancing with this multi-faceted approach of training.
The team is not only a great opportunity to train but also to make new friends and find a sense of belonging in the community. “Followers” are all gender expressions, races, and body types. This team is an inclusive and kind learning environment with a focus on finding and displaying YOUR individuality in the dance.
Come audition with us to be part of the fabulous fun on April 24!
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm
Dance Loft on 14 (4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
Starting May 8
WHO SHOULD AUDITION?
- Elena’s District Zouk Followers Team is open to dancers of all genders, bodies, backgrounds, and roles who would like to challenge themselves.
- All team members should be respectful, adaptable, reliable, accountable, and have a supportive attitude.
If you’re not sure about your level but still want to join, attend our auditions or reach out to the team director for an individual evaluation!
AUDITION FORMAT AND EXPECTATIONS
Where and When?
Thursday, April 24
Dance Loft on 14 (4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
7:30 - 9:00pm
What to expect:
Where and When?
Thursday, April 24
Dance Loft on 14 (4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
7:30 - 9:00pm
What to expect:
The audition will be a ‘workshop style’ session that’s similar to one of our team trainings. You'll get a sense of how the team works and whether it's a good fit.
Elena has been a student of various movement arts for most of her life. After 13 years of competitive gymnastics, she briefly explored ballet, modern, and contemporary. While in college, she decided to try Latin ballroom. This began a love of partner dancing that brought her to salsa, bachata, and finally Brazilian zouk. She has been dancing and teaching Brazilian zouk for 7 years. She loves performing and competing with a passion. Most recently she became the first person in the world to advance to the All-Star division of the BZDC Jack & Jill competitions. She strongly believes in helping dancers of all types feel empowered and find their inner fire!