Zouk-Lambada
Encyclopedia
Zouk-Lambada is a group of closely related dance styles based on or evolved from the lambada dance style and is typically danced to zouk
music or other music containing the zouk beat. The name Brazilian Zouk is used to distinguish the dance from the Caribbean Zouk dance style, which is historically related to, but very different from the Lambada dance style. The two dominant styles of Zouk-Lambada are the Porto-Seguro style and the Rio-style. The word Lambazouk is often used to refer exclusively to one or the other style depending on the region you live. The word Lambazouk was originally used to refer to the dance style developed by Daniel and Leticia Estévez López, although they use the term M-zouk nowadays (for Mallorca-zouk) The Zouk-Lambada dancing styles are among the most popular non-ballroom dances for couples in Brazil, others being Forró
, Lambada
, Samba de gafieira and Salsa
.
Lambada meaning Rio-style Lambada), was first developed in Rio de Janeiro. It is mainly danced in Brazil (Rio and Brasilia), Australia, The Netherlands, Spain and some other European countries. It uses a modified, slower, smoother, even more sensual version of the lambada
and is typically danced on Zouk-love
style music. In the Netherlands this dance style goes under the name of zouk-love.
The Brazilian zouk dance style was first developed in the Ilha Dos Pescadores in Rio de Janeiro around 1989. In the Netherlands it was first introduced (in the early 2000s) by Claudio Gomes. Today Brazilian zouk is also danced on R&B, Latin pop and Arabic music, mixed with a zouk music beat.
Unlike salsa
, which is led with the hands; Brazilian zouk is led by more parts of the body, noticeably the glued-to-each-other hips of the partners. Thus, in a basic sideways movement, it is the hips that move first, followed by the rest of the body, and this is part of what makes the dance so sensual. However, in various moves the dance partners are also connected by eye contact, legs, arms, shoulders, head, etc.
When practicing zouk in dance classes, teachers generally warn women to be very careful with their backs and necks, as two of the most distinctive and commented-on movements are the cambré (arching backwards to a greater or lesser degree, sometimes even below the waist) and the specific 'hair movements' or ' head movements' for the woman. If not done properly this could lead to injury.
As of today Brazilian zouk is becoming well known and apart from the faster original style Lambada (Porto Seguro style) and the latter development Brazilian zouk, some people distinguish other substyles of like Soulzouk, NeoZouk, LatinZouk and Zouk-Revolution. Whether these are truly separate styles or just individual ways of dancing is, however, still a point of debate.
. Although it is a fast and energetic dance, it flows smoothly and the moves are continuous and the dancers are constantly orbiting around the partner(s).
It is mainly danced in North-East Brazil (Porto Seguro), Argentina, Spain, the UK, the west coast of the US, Israel, Japan & recently also in Malaysia. The Porto-Seguro style is very close to the original Lambada from which it derives. It is characterised by:
One way in which the present Porto-Seguro style differs from the original Kaoma-like Lambada style, is that the wiggling shoulder movements (also sometimes seen in Cuban-style salsa) have disappeared. Instead the shoulders are kept fixed while the hips are moving.
The Porto Seguro-style differs from the Zouk in the way the steps are performed on the music. To put it simple, Rio-style zouk is danced on the dominant beat (1,3,4"), while Porto Seguro-style is danced on the small beats (1,2,3"). In general the Porto Seguro-style is more suitable for fast tempo music, whereas Rio style zouk is more suitable for slow tempo music. It is also very common practice to switch fluently between these dancing styles during a single Zouk music song.
(Spain), by fusion of the Brazilian Zouk and the Zouk of the Antilles, and has also influences of the Spanish Rumba. The technique was created by Jefferson Costa of Oliveira (also known as Gêgê), Rio de Janeiro, who is resident in Mallorca since 1991. The term Mzouk was created there. Jefferson decided to experiment on 6 dancers. They studied the adequate way of the position of the body and established adequate exercises to in make Mzouk a safe dance. After seven years the six dancers became the teachers of the new dance Mzouk. Two of the professors are Daniel and Leticia Estévez López that since 1998 are carrying out the work of diffusing the Mzouk in different environments.
In the year 2000, Jefferson Coast along with his six teachers founded the Association Mzouk of Mallorca which was registered with the Government as a cultural association with the aim to spread Mzouk by means of contests, seminars, and congresses.
The Soulzouk dance style is, just like Brazilian zouk, not only based on the pace, but also on the melody of the song. It can be danced to zouk music, but it is also taught to be danced with a variety of other musical genres, like rap or RnB
, that don't have the zouk
beat.
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Zouk
Zouk is a style of rhythmic music originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe & Martinique. Zouk means "party" or "festival" in the local Antillean Creole of French, although the word originally referred to, and is still used to refer to, a popular dance, based on the Polish dance, the...
music or other music containing the zouk beat. The name Brazilian Zouk is used to distinguish the dance from the Caribbean Zouk dance style, which is historically related to, but very different from the Lambada dance style. The two dominant styles of Zouk-Lambada are the Porto-Seguro style and the Rio-style. The word Lambazouk is often used to refer exclusively to one or the other style depending on the region you live. The word Lambazouk was originally used to refer to the dance style developed by Daniel and Leticia Estévez López, although they use the term M-zouk nowadays (for Mallorca-zouk) The Zouk-Lambada dancing styles are among the most popular non-ballroom dances for couples in Brazil, others being Forró
Forró
Forró is a kind of Northeastern Brazilian dance as well as a word used to denote the different genres of music which accompanies the dance. Both are much in evidence during the annual Festa Junina , a part of Brazilian traditional culture which celebrates some Catholic saints...
, Lambada
Lambada
Lambada is a dance from Pará, Brazil. The dance became internationally popular in the 1980s, especially in Latin America and Caribbean countries...
, Samba de gafieira and Salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
.
Rio-style
Rio-style Zouk (also called CariocaCarioca
Carioca is a Portuguese adjective or demonym that is used to refer to the native inhabitants of the city of Rio de Janeiro - capital of the homonym state , in Brazil...
Lambada meaning Rio-style Lambada), was first developed in Rio de Janeiro. It is mainly danced in Brazil (Rio and Brasilia), Australia, The Netherlands, Spain and some other European countries. It uses a modified, slower, smoother, even more sensual version of the lambada
Lambada
Lambada is a dance from Pará, Brazil. The dance became internationally popular in the 1980s, especially in Latin America and Caribbean countries...
and is typically danced on Zouk-love
Zouk-love
Zouk-love is a genre of popular French West Indian music originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe & Martinique. Zouk means "party" or "festival" in the local creole of French, although the word originally referred to, and is still used to refer to, a popular dance, based on the Polish...
style music. In the Netherlands this dance style goes under the name of zouk-love.
The Brazilian zouk dance style was first developed in the Ilha Dos Pescadores in Rio de Janeiro around 1989. In the Netherlands it was first introduced (in the early 2000s) by Claudio Gomes. Today Brazilian zouk is also danced on R&B, Latin pop and Arabic music, mixed with a zouk music beat.
Unlike salsa
Salsa (dance)
Salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins in Cuba as the meeting point of Spanish and African cultures.Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms such as solo dancing "suelta" and "Rueda de Casino" where multiple couples exchange partners in a circle...
, which is led with the hands; Brazilian zouk is led by more parts of the body, noticeably the glued-to-each-other hips of the partners. Thus, in a basic sideways movement, it is the hips that move first, followed by the rest of the body, and this is part of what makes the dance so sensual. However, in various moves the dance partners are also connected by eye contact, legs, arms, shoulders, head, etc.
When practicing zouk in dance classes, teachers generally warn women to be very careful with their backs and necks, as two of the most distinctive and commented-on movements are the cambré (arching backwards to a greater or lesser degree, sometimes even below the waist) and the specific 'hair movements' or ' head movements' for the woman. If not done properly this could lead to injury.
As of today Brazilian zouk is becoming well known and apart from the faster original style Lambada (Porto Seguro style) and the latter development Brazilian zouk, some people distinguish other substyles of like Soulzouk, NeoZouk, LatinZouk and Zouk-Revolution. Whether these are truly separate styles or just individual ways of dancing is, however, still a point of debate.
Porto Seguro-style
The most widespread style of Lambada-Zouk is the Porto Seguro-style and is often claimed to be the same as LambadaLambada
Lambada is a dance from Pará, Brazil. The dance became internationally popular in the 1980s, especially in Latin America and Caribbean countries...
. Although it is a fast and energetic dance, it flows smoothly and the moves are continuous and the dancers are constantly orbiting around the partner(s).
It is mainly danced in North-East Brazil (Porto Seguro), Argentina, Spain, the UK, the west coast of the US, Israel, Japan & recently also in Malaysia. The Porto-Seguro style is very close to the original Lambada from which it derives. It is characterised by:
- up-tempo music
- whip-like movements of the body
- 1,2,3="quick-quick-slow" counting
One way in which the present Porto-Seguro style differs from the original Kaoma-like Lambada style, is that the wiggling shoulder movements (also sometimes seen in Cuban-style salsa) have disappeared. Instead the shoulders are kept fixed while the hips are moving.
The Porto Seguro-style differs from the Zouk in the way the steps are performed on the music. To put it simple, Rio-style zouk is danced on the dominant beat (1,3,4"), while Porto Seguro-style is danced on the small beats (1,2,3"). In general the Porto Seguro-style is more suitable for fast tempo music, whereas Rio style zouk is more suitable for slow tempo music. It is also very common practice to switch fluently between these dancing styles during a single Zouk music song.
Other styles sometimes distinguished in Zouk-Lambada
As mentioned above, several new styles can be distinguished, although they are seen as simply personal styles and interpretations by some. Nevertheless, some examples are:MZouk
One version of Brasilian Zouk, called Mzouk was created in PalmaPalma de Mallorca
Palma is the major city and port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The names Ciutat de Mallorca and Ciutat were used before the War of the Spanish Succession and are still used by people in Majorca. However, the official name...
(Spain), by fusion of the Brazilian Zouk and the Zouk of the Antilles, and has also influences of the Spanish Rumba. The technique was created by Jefferson Costa of Oliveira (also known as Gêgê), Rio de Janeiro, who is resident in Mallorca since 1991. The term Mzouk was created there. Jefferson decided to experiment on 6 dancers. They studied the adequate way of the position of the body and established adequate exercises to in make Mzouk a safe dance. After seven years the six dancers became the teachers of the new dance Mzouk. Two of the professors are Daniel and Leticia Estévez López that since 1998 are carrying out the work of diffusing the Mzouk in different environments.
In the year 2000, Jefferson Coast along with his six teachers founded the Association Mzouk of Mallorca which was registered with the Government as a cultural association with the aim to spread Mzouk by means of contests, seminars, and congresses.
Soulzouk
Soulzouk was developed in 2005 by China a teacher from Rio, Brazil. Soulzouk, (also called "zouk freestyle" by the inventor) differs according to China from Brazilian zouk in the way it connects with the music.The Soulzouk dance style is, just like Brazilian zouk, not only based on the pace, but also on the melody of the song. It can be danced to zouk music, but it is also taught to be danced with a variety of other musical genres, like rap or RnB
RNB
RNB is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings, as described below:* Nankai Broadcasting – , a broadcasting station in Ehime Prefecture, Japan* Rhythm and blues* Contemporary R&B* Russian National Library...
, that don't have the zouk
Zouk
Zouk is a style of rhythmic music originating from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe & Martinique. Zouk means "party" or "festival" in the local Antillean Creole of French, although the word originally referred to, and is still used to refer to, a popular dance, based on the Polish dance, the...
beat.
NeoZouk
Connected with DJ Mafie Zouker from Rio de Janeiro and became extremely popular. The music is mixed and fused with trance and modern music with basic Zouk beats, the original French or Portuguese lyrics are omitted as Neo-Zouk ethuthiasts have better connection with transcendental music.Lyrical Zouk
A style invented by Lindale Thompson,its the first style coming out of the London Lambada Zouk Scene. The style concentrates on the connection between partner and music, working with the internal chemistry between the couple and reaching outwards. Although it works with the rhythm, there is also an emphasis on musicality and working with and through the music, although initially taught in the one-two-three style,dancers are encouraged to really connect with the music and to look for options in movement and travel. Lyrical zouk is taught not only with zouk but with a wide range of musical genres ranging from classical to swing.Australian-Zouk
A fusion of Rio-Zouk & Neo-Zouk. This fast growing style is seen in many performances by instructors from Australian dance schools. Zouk in Australia is heavily influenced by years of teachings of resident Brazilian instructors such as Kadu Pires & Larissa Thayane, Claudio & Monica, Alisson Sandi and Gaspar Ribeiro as well as non residents such as Mafie Zouker, Renata & Jorge, Adilio Porto who left a strong influence in the country.Famous dancers/teachers
| Country | Dancers/Teachers |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Claudio de Oliveira, Gilson Damasco, Rominita, Gus Saborido, Oscar Migdal (osky), Chango, Mari Hodges, Pablo Schmoller, Maru Cremaschi, Carlinhos da Silva, Eddy, Sil, Seba Lozano, Leticia Loffler, Pato Borghi |
| Australia | Tarcisio Teatini Climaco (founder) (Brisbane): Kadu Pires & Larissa Thayane, Angelo Salgado, Carolyn Frost & Daniel Pinto, Gaspar Ribeiro, Helen Gramotnev, Ian Corbett, Jada de Goey Teatini Climaco, Mark Waden, Tennyson Choi; (Sydney): Allan Dantas, Amit Arora, Claudio Gomes & Monica Leite http://www.adance.com.au/riozouk.php, Jaime Jesus, Little Liz, Duncan Stark, Jane Gamarnik, Oliver Pineda; (Perth): Alisson Rodrigues Sandi, Audrey Isautier, Ben Stowell; (Melbourne): Minx, Alex Bryan, Ebony Berrell |
| Austria | Tania Onca |
| Brazil | Jaime Aroxa (founder), Alex de Carvalho, Bebe Genivaldo Moreira Duarte, Braz (from Kaoma fame), Sergio Almeida e Clarissa Dias, Annik Matos e Leonardo Bruno, China e Luciana, Cláudio Gomes, David e Deywylla -Zouk Magia, Edson Nakasone e Marina Gerevini, Elaine Pereira, Luís Florião, Israel Szerman e Patica Borges, Janssen Gomes, K-Yo e Gabi Póvoa, Lidio Freitas, Mafie Zouker, MarceloEstilo, Max Blacksoul, Patricia Cruz, Patricia Rezende, Paulo Camacho (deceased), Paulinha Leal, Philip Miha, Renata Peçanha, Rodrigo Delano |
| Canada | TORONTO, ON: Junyan Boon & Danielle Nash (Mazouka Dance) http://www.mazouka.com, Renata Lisa (Toronto Dance Zouk), Darius Zouker (dZouk Productions) http://www.dzouk.com; MONTREAL, QC: Jules Bertrand & Sindali Sandoval (Interfusion Danse), Renaud Ayotte (San Tropez) http://latindance.net/; Luiz Fernando e Priscila Gomes; QUEBEC, QC: Julia-Maude et Charles (Samba-Québec) |
| Czech Republic | Carlos & Sofie da Silva, Fernanda Vitória |
| France | Sébastien Massaro http://www.studio-massaro.fr, Stéphane Massaro http://www.salsamba.org, Alex Lima http://www.alexlima.net |
| Hungary | Ronaldo Magalhaes (also in Brazil) |
| Israel | Liza Listvinsky (founder of Zouk Lambada Israel, http://www.zouklambada.co.il), Eyal Siag, Yuli Portnoy, Leon Gordin |
| Germany | Antje Köstering, Ailton Silva (Berlin), Daniel de Souza Forbes (Hannover), Dark Lion (http://www.darklion.eu), Junior Carvalho http://www.juniorcarvalho.com, Ramnish Gupta http://www.zouksters.com |
| Japan (Tokyo) | Aochan (Tropical New York), NECO (Japan Association of Zouk) |
| Malaysia | Jaxen Tan & Cecilia Chua http://rhythm-id.com, Cherie Thum |
| Netherlands | Cláudio Gomes (founder),Claudia de Vries, Dark Lion, Gilson Damasco, Josta O'Neill, Krullaine, Mr. Dragon, Pasty (Edelmaar Peiternelle), Vicky Derks, Ray Olymph, René Bijkerk, Willem Engel |
| Romania | Trandafirescu Tiberiu (Brazilian Zouk) |
| Russia | Marcelo Bal and Irina, Leandro Wakko Oliviér & Masha Velichkina |
| Singapore | Wendy Yee & Jean Goh (Two Left Feet) http://www.two-leftfeet.com |
| Spain | Olaya White http://www.ritmodende.com, Gabriel Papagaio, Fabio Mancuso, Daniel and Leticia Estévez http://spiraldancerszouk.com/ (Mzouk Style), Jefferson Costa de Oliveira (Gegê, Mzouk style), Luciano gomes, Spiral Dancers http://spiraldancerszouk.com/ (Mzouk Style). |
| UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) | Samantha Ho, Nayan De Abrew, Karen Cruz, Pedro Mesquita |
| UK (London) | Berg Dias, Solange Dias, Patricia de Cruz, Luis "Lula" Filho, Tania Onca, Patricia Rezende, Lindale Thompson, Gary Carr and Marisa Gulino with Przemo Bania, Gareth Evans and Anna Karczewska of OndaAmor http://www.ondaamor.co.uk, Sarah Gibbons and Marcos Fonseca, Mohammed Ali and Nataliya Grigorova (Brazilian Zouk London) http://www.dancebuzz.co.uk/brazilian-zouk.htm, Ruben Pedrosa and Danielle Opocyznski, Kleber Castanheira Saude |
| USA | Ryan & Mea-Lynn Wong (SoCal-Zouk) http://www.socalzouk.com - Los Angeles, CA; Juni Shimizu (Tropical New York) - New York City; Kim Rottier (ZoukNY) - New York City; Fabiano "Nyx" Trofino and Lais Trofino (MiamiZouk) - Miami, FL; Shani Mayer (Los Angeles, CA); Kelly Rice (San Diego, CA); Adrian Atoro, Amy Rocores & Auntie Ox (Zoukalma) http://www.zoukalma.com - Washington, DC; Rachel Meth (ABQZouk) - Albuquerque, NM; Ian Orr & Kendra Haynes (evoZouk) http://www.evozouk.com - Miami, FL |
Brazil
- Bamboo Tribe Crew - Arkanjo, Low Rider,Shrek, Beto Street.
- Dark Lion (Europe/Brazil)
- Z.N.L.(Zouk Night Love) - DJ Mafie Zouker, Cronus, Nyx (USA). (Neozouk)
- Mr Dragon (Europe).
- DJ Pro, K.I.N.G. DJ's.
- Cariberio - Lord Feifer, Tricinha, ColdHeart.
- RioZouk - DJ T!
- DJ iET, Pedrada, Poi, DJ Melodia, Biel.
- DJ Rafa, DJ Israel Szerman, DJ Lex, DJ Roudg (Former Z.N.L. members).
- Soulzouk - DJ K-Yo Victor, Ramonzinho
- Philip Miha team - DJ Godox, DJ Alex.
- Phoenix
- Planet Zouk - DJ Mané, DJ Edu
Netherlands
- Zouk DJ's from the Netherlands - Zoukerro, Krullaine, ManoDJ, Shing, Dark Lion, Daan, Naushad, and DJ Ki-Zo.
Australia
- DJ Allan Dantas
- DJ Amit Arora
- DJ Alisson Sandi
- DJ Coco
- DJ Deep
- Dj Marcus Pedro
- DJ Marky Mark
- DR Zouk
Spain
- Dj BigZouk Spiral dancers
- Dj Zaid Zouk Spiral dancers
- DJ PAPAGAIO (GABRIEL TORRES)www.ritmodende.com
- DJ Baloo
List of upcoming and historic Zouk-Lambada congresses
20042005
2006
2007
- 2º Congresso Internacional de Zouk em Brasília on 17th of February 2007
- 2nd International Lambada/Zouk Congress 2006 Barcelona
- 3rd Brazilian Dance Congress 2006 Amsterdam
2008
- First International Zouk and Lambada Congress in Rio de Janeiro on 4th of January 2008
- Lambaporto Dance Congress 2008 in Porto Seguro on 7th of January 2008
- 3rd International Lambada/Zouk Congress 2006 Barcelona
2009
2010
- 5th International Lambada/Zouk Congress 2010 Barcelona April
- 1st International Zouk congress Prague 2010 Prague, 28th-31st January
- II International Zouk and Lambada Congress in Rio de Janeiro 7th-10th January 2010
- 2nd Annual DC Bachata & International Dance Festival 2010 19th-22nd August 2010 National Harbor, MD
- Brazil Central Zouk Lambada Congress 2010 1-3 October 2010 Brisbane Australia
2011
- The 1st Scandinavian International Lambada/Zouk-congress in Sweden, Uppsala 17-19th June 2011
- 1st Buenos Aires Zouk Congresss 2011 8-11 September 2011 Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Brazil Central Zouk Lambada Congress 2011 30 September -2 October 2011 Brisbane Australia
External links
- New York City, Zouk Organization
- SOULZOUK Radio, Remix, DJS, video and more
- Zouk party agenda (mainly Netherlands)
- Zouk Night Love - Neozouk remixes
- zouk school in los angeles
- Lambazouk congress in Barcelona, Spain
- Group of teachers in Barcelona, Spain
- Zouk Lambada Uk offering teacher training
- Zouk teachers in Stockholm, Sweden
- Zouk-lambada congress in Uppsala, Sweden
- Mazouka Dance Company in Toronto, Canada
- Zouk Lambada Dance Productions in Toronto, Canada
- Zouk Lambada Israel by Liza Listvinsky, Tel-Aviv Israel
- Zouk Brazil by Leon Gordin, Tel-Aviv Israel
- ZOUK Malmö , in Sweden ZOUK classes/workshops both in malmö and helsingborg - by David Kay