Our 8-Lesson Series Plan for Brazilian Zouk Dancing

Lesson 1: Introduction to Brazilian Zouk and Basic Foundations

Objective: Familiarize students with the origins of Brazilian Zouk, its cultural significance, and the basic foundational movements.

Content: Discuss the history and evolution of Zouk, emphasizing its roots in Lambada and the influences that shaped its current form.

Breve Talk about: 7 Basic of Zouk - Lines and Patterns:

Breve talk about: Suspension & Grounding. Tilts and Torsion, Head Movements.

Activities: Warm up, Stretch, Teach basic footwork Basic, Lateral- alone then with a partner posture, and connection principles

Practice basic & Lateral foot work alone and with partners, focusing on maintaining form and connection.

Lesson 2: Basic Turns

Objective: Introduce fundamental turns within Brazilian Zouk.

Content: Teach students how to execute basic turns and spins safely and effectively, discussing balance and spotting techniques.

Activities: Practicing these turns individually and in partnered sequences, integrating them into the previously learned footwork. Tips of how to build momentum to spin alone and also in partnership.

Lesson 3: Viradinha, Timing and Rhythm in Zouk

Objective: Develop students' understanding of timing and rhythm specific to Zouk music. -

Content: Introduce the concept of counting in Zouk and how it differs from other dance styles. Teach students to feel the beat and anticipate musical changes. Differences: Suspension & Grounding.

Activities: Viradinha footwork alone and with partner

Exercises using claps and steps, followed by dancing to various Zouk tracks to apply counting.

Lesson 4: Musicality and Expression

Start class with 5 minutes free dancing, warm up , etc….

Objective: Enhance students' musicality and ability to express themselves through movement.

Content: Explore the emotional aspects of Zouk music and how to interpret them through dance. Discuss the importance of listening to the music and responding with body movements.

Activities: Dance improvisation exercises where students express various emotions through movement, along with structured practice to specific songs.

Lesson 5: Connection and Partnering Skills

Objective: Strengthen connection between dance partners, focusing on lead and follow techniques.

Content: Discuss the role of connection in Zouk, teaching proper frame, body mechanics, and how to move in sync with a partner.

Activities: Partner exercises to practice leading and following, using drills that encourage strong contact and responsiveness. Wireless drills, Yedi lead, Followers wait to responds do not rush your dance!

Lesson 6: Body Movement and Styling

Objective: Introduce body movement techniques and styling to enhance individual expression.

Content: Cover concepts of body isolation and styling, focusing on how to incorporate these elements into Zouk dancing.

Activities: Drills for isolating different body parts, followed by practice sessions where students add personal styling to their movements in partnered dances.

Lesson 7: Application of Simple but Powerful Strategies

Objective: Apply learned concepts into a cohesive dance strategy.

Content: Introduce a simple but powerful dance strategy that combines elements from previous lessons. Discuss how to use foundational skills to create flowing movements.

Explain the switch on and Switch off Concept.

Leaders: Learn how to lead followers

Follower: Learn how to read leaders

Activities: Step-by-step development of a mini-routine incorporating turns, connection, musicality, and styling.

Lesson 8: Putting It All Together and Dance Floor Etiquette -

Objective: Prepare students to showcase their skills confidently on the dance floor.

Content: Review all concepts covered throughout the series, emphasizing how they interconnect. Discuss dance floor etiquette, including how to navigate social dances and respect personal space. -

Activities: Work in Progress......

After Every Lesson - practice social dance, allowing students to apply all they've learned while encouraging interactions and discussions about experiences on the dance floor.

Conclusion Each lesson in this series builds on the previous one, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Brazilian Zouk. By encouraging students to engage with the material actively and practice regularly, they will develop confidence, skill, and a passion for the dance style that transcends these lessons.