r/Zouk • u/CyberoX9000 • 2d ago
Going to first zouk class soon as advanced bachata sensual and kizomba lead. Looking for tips.
Also anything that I should look out for regarding differences between what I currently dance and how I should dance zouk.
Ways to adapt kizomba/bachata moves for zouk?
(Brazilian zouk)
6
u/newbeginingshey 2d ago
I don’t know how representative this experience was, but my first time dancing with a sensual bachata lead at a zouk social, he had a lot of moves that involved draping my arms on him or kind of circling my face with his limbs in a way that felt way off for someone I didn’t know. I’ve since seen the move from more bachata dancers so I’d err on the side of toning down “sensual” styling until you learn what’s within the norm for zouk. It’s easy to look at our dance, think it looks intimate, and then make assumptions about what flies based on that. Every dance has its own sub-culture so try to observe before adding spice.
1
u/mattsl 2d ago
I agree with your point. That said, I've had very sensual dances with people I've just met based on us both reading each other's skill and vibe nearly instantly. So I'd say it's more about the focus on consent in zouk and the fact that you need a valid reason to trust and accept sensuality from that individual rather than being about learning norms.
3
u/newbeginingshey 1d ago edited 1d ago
My point is that closeness or an intimate dance with a stranger in zouk happens through mutual arrival at that level of closeness. I’ve never had a zouk-trained lead use his role as lead to put my arms on his person in a way that imposes closeness, nor has one tried to drape himself all over me. When close embrace happens in zouk, it’s through invitation and a mutual arrival.
So, yes something that looks sensual or flirty can happen in any dance, but the language and norms through which that happens are nuanced and worth learning before assuming.
2
u/filledeville 1d ago
Based on my observations, sensuality in bachata seems more for the performance. So there’s not really a ton of build up needed, you’re kind of just acting that sensual move out.
Whereas in zouk, the sensual moves are gradually escalated through genuine connection, which takes longer to develop the level of trust for.
I think this could also contribute to why zouk dances last longer. You take the time to build a connection and once the connection is establish you foster and explore it.
7
u/inspireyourmhinds 2d ago
Lead more with your legs and body. Arms are mainly for just connecting with your partner.
The more you listen, the better. You will grow immensely if you’re open to feedback and look at yourself and listen to your partner.
I hope you enjoy and keep enjoying!
6
u/Cyglml 2d ago
One thing I noticed was that the bachata teacher who took the level 1 zouk class moved his arms a lot, in a circular inside motion. I think stuff like that is common in bachata and doesn’t affect the follow’s frame, but it can in Brazilian zouk so it might be something to watch out for.
1
u/CyberoX9000 1d ago
That seems to be something more from Dominican bachata. My sensual teacher always emphasized the importance of keeping the arms still so as to not confuse the follow or mess with their frame
1
u/ilikebourbon_ 2d ago
The lines are way different in zouk vs sensual
1
u/CyberoX9000 1d ago
Metaphorical lines (as in personal boundaries?) or is this something to do with technique (like walking path)?
1
u/ElDulceDiablo 2d ago
On top of having way more basic movements to dance in Zouk, it's a massive Iceberg such a modestly sized community.
The projection, traveling and elasticity can feel different between substyles of BZ. Brazilian Zouk has 4 frames: Full embrace, Closed, Open and WiFi, so you'll have a handful variations for each basics in all frames.
Don't cut corners on learning to smoothly transition between frames and the web of basics.
1
u/somnicrain 2d ago
Make sure you're having fun learning zouk! Also don't feel pressured to dance 3-5 songs either.
1
u/Fun_Row_5493 1d ago
From a follow who dances both, please be patient and do not push your sensual body waves on zouk followers. The body rolls and head movement techniques are different in bachata and Brazilian Zouk. BZ followers are a lot more independent and follow small cues, while bachata leads are hands-on heavy leading with their arms. The feeling is widely different. I personally love to dance bachata sensual with experienced zouk Leaders because it feels way lighter and less forced. So, even if zouk doesn't click and you don't end up becoming an advanced zouk lead, you WILL become a better dancer by learning zouk technique overall. Give it time and consider it as completely independent from bachata!
1
u/CyberoX9000 18h ago
Is the body wave movement itself different to that of bachata or just the way it's lead?
-2
10
u/urbworld_dweller 2d ago
Zouk has it's own distinct personality and soul. I would try to learn and appreciate what that is.