Zouk Dancing

Zouk is a powerful and sensual style of dance and music of the French West Indies, combining African drumming styles with influences from American and Caribbean popular music. The word Zouk comes from the Creole word meaning “party,” which also means a kind of dance music developed for partying. This vibrant and exciting dance form is getting increasingly popular across the world and is signaling the transformation of dance music scene.

       

Zouk is based on a close hip to hip style that is distinctively Caribbean. To an observer it can be pretty fascinating to watch how the dancers execute various intricate movements and especially the close proximity between them. Zouk is a relatively easy to learn dance as those who have experienced dancing other traditional Latin dances, can bring many of the concept and techniques to Zouk.   

Unlike Salsa, which is led with the hands, the movements in Zouk are led by other parts of the body, particularly by the hips. When performing, dancers also connect by legs, arms, shoulders, head and eyes. The distinctive characteristic of this dance form is a rippling forward and backward wave-like motion, elongated steps, and especially the arching of the back (the cambré) and rolling of the head during turns by the ladies. Such movements are fun, and exude an air of deep sensuality, and tremendous magnetism. Zouk can be danced in an open or close embrace and the choice of hold depends on the comfort level of dancers and the type of music being used.  

       

Zouk is based on a close hip to hip style that is distinctively Caribbean. To an observer it can be pretty fascinating to watch how the dancers execute various intricate movements and especially the based on a close hip to hip style that is distinctively Caribbean. To an observer it can be pretty fascinating to watch how the dancers execute various intricate movements and especially the close proximity between them. close proximity between them. Zouk is a relatively easy to learn dance as those who have experienced dancing other traditional Latin dances, can bring many of the concept and techniques to Zouk.  

Zouk is an intimate and calm dance where one really needs to‘slow down’ to get the feel of its gentle and sensual flow. Here the woman completely surrenders to the man's lead while he holds strong ‘metador-like’ position. Surrendering provides the beautiful space to be in. This dance can give you a complete workout due to all the dips and fast-paced movement. Zouk is an easy to learn and relatively young dance, which offers the possibility to incorporate many of the concepts and techniques from other traditional Latin dances into it. A reason of its soaring popularity is also because it can be danced to R&B music, such as music from Rihanna, Neyo, Craig David, etc.

Let’s take a look at two different styles of Zouk.

1. Caribbean Zouk    

Since Zouk has so many variations depending upon the theme and mood of the music, it is hard to choose a consistent theme which can be called as fundamental or original Zouk. Caribbean Zouk finds its roots in the Latin dance style known as merengue, a two-step beat with partners in a closed position. This dance style is felt in 2/2 time. Here the male hold his partner’s hip with his right hand and his partner's hand with his left hand. Inside ways movement, the hips move first and then the rest of the body. Today Brazilian Zouk is also danced on R&B, Latin pop and Arabic music, mixed with a Zouk music beat. This particular style is quite popular among Zouk enthusiasts around the world.

2. Brazilian Zouk                                       

 

Also called Zouk-Lambada, it is the smoother and sensual version of the Lambada (a Brazilian ballroom dance in which the partners press against each other tightly and gyrate sensually). This is danced to Zouk music or other music containing the Zouk beat. It is felt in 4/4 time, instead of the 2/2 time of Caribbean Zouk. Here the leader and follower retain the same stance and hand positions as regular Zouk. The characteristic of this dance form is flowing wave motion which the dancers reproduce through their bodies. The basic sideways step is lead by the hips while maintain the head-roll and upper-body roll. The Zouk-Lambada dancing styles are among the most popular non-ball room dances for couples in Brazil.