We are really proud of our programs. We have spent years developing the concepts and movements that we teach and still continue to explore even the most basic ideas. Please enjoy!
Intro | Basics |
|
Level 1 Modules | Thread | Bonus |
Yo-Yo | Circular Soltinho |
Session 2016 | Foundations Level 1 Wednesday 8PM | Foundations Level 1 Thursday 8PM |
Jan 11 - Feb 5 | Thread | Bonus |
Feb 8 - Mar 4 | Yoyo | Circular Soltinho |
Mar 7 - Apr 1 | Bonus | Thread |
Apr 4 - Apr 29 | Circular Soltinho | Yoyo |
May 2 - Jun 3 | Thread | Bonus |
Jun 6 - Jul 1 | Yoyo | Circular Soltinho |
Jul 4 - Jul 29 | Bonus | Thread |
Aug 3 - Aug 28 | Circular Soltinho | Yoyo |
Aug 29 - Sep 30 | Thread | Bonus |
Oct 3 - Oct 28 | Yoyo | Circular Soltinho |
Oct 31 - Nov 25 | Bonus | Thread |
Nov 28 - Dec 23 | Circular Soltinho | Yoyo |
2016 Session Schedule
What movements are covered in Level 1?
The list of movements covered in Intro and Level 1 are shown below along with a flow diagram showing the how we will connect this movements in each module.
① Closed Position Traveling Movement | ② Transitional Mvmt (Closed-to-Open) | ③ Open Position Traveling Movement | ④ Transitional Mvmt (Open-to-Closed) |
Basic | Slingshot | Corridor | Side Turn / Basic Turn |
| Rebound | Yo-Yo | Forward Turn |
Legend |
| Bonus |
|
Intro |
| Circular Soltinho |
|
Level 1 |
| Thread |
|
What are routines (aka combinations or patterns)?
Routines are a sequence of movements. We group movements into routines that are commonly used on the dancefloor when social dancing. In each module you will learn two of the Basic Routines and one Movement-Specific Routine.
Movement(s) | Basic Routines |
Slingshot / ST | Basic-Basic <> Slingshot-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Rebound / ST | Basic-Basic <> Rebound-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Slingshot / FT | Basic-Basic <> Slingshot-Corridor <> FT-Basic |
Rebound / FT | Basic-Basic <> Rebound-Corridor <> FT-Basic |
Movement(s) | Movement-Specific Routines |
Thread | Basic-Basic <> Rebound-Corridor <> ST-Thread <> Corridor-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Circular Soltinho | Basic-Basic <> Rebound-Corridor <> CS-Corridor <> CS-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Yoyo | Basic-Basic <> Slingshot-Corridor <> FT-Yoyo <> Rebound-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Bonus | Basic-Basic <> Slingshot-Corridor <> Bonus-FT <> Rebound-Corridor <> ST-Basic |
Our community doing a Brazilian Zouk flashmob at Dundas Square
How would I go about stringing together routines (i.e when I’m social dancing)?
Are there any resources?
There are lots of resources, from videos to music that you can find at www.mazouka.com/student-resources.
Do I require any conditioning to be able to dance Zouk safely?
Yes of course! Any sport, martial art, dance or movement art form requires body conditioning. Calisthenic exercises are the best. Yoga, pilates, and body weight training are all wonderful ways to keep your body strong and lithe.
When can I move on to Level 2?
We suggest moving on when you can comfortably complete the routines in Level 1. Ideally, you would be comfortable enough with the routines that you can remember and execute them easily with a partner and on your own (solo). When you feel you are ready, arrange an assessment with your instructor!
Can I move on without an assessment?
Yes you can! If you are in need of more stimulating material, then you are welcome to take level 1 and 2 simultaneously. However, a full transition to level 2 requires the completion of an assessment.
What do I need to know for the assessment?
Select one or two songs of your choice from one of the list of Level 1 songs on our music page (www.mazouka.com/music).
One dance to a song of your choice where you will perform the routines with a partner combining all the Level 1 routines while adhering to the technical principles.
One dance to a song of your choice where you will perform the routines without a partner to demonstrate complete understanding of the principles.
You will be assessed based on the list of technical concepts below.
| Follower’s Technique | Leader’s Technique |
Foot | Activated, placement in alignment with frame, creating clear connection to the floor before moving on, ball-heel transition always | Activated, placement in alignment with frame, creating clear connection to the floor before moving on |
Frame | Steady, level, open, clear orientation and shape, supported by the lats | Steady, level, open, clear orientation and shape, supported by the lats |
Hips | In alignment with the Frame, clearly position of hips, obliques supporting each hip swing | In alignment with the Frame, clear position of hips, obliques supporting each hip swing |
Hands | Steady, level, open / alive, clear orientation and shape, moving in coordination with your movement | Steady, level, open / alive, clear orientation and shape, moving in coordination with the Follower’s movement |
Head | Level, open, dictating the orientation of the Frame | Level, open, following the orientation of the Frame |
Hair | Following the Frame’s movement, clear position of the hair | N/A |
Rhythm | Following the 1 345 78 count, maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” | Following the 1 345 78 count, transitioning after two bars of 8, maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” |
Connection | Clear transitions during connection changes, connecting comfortably | Clear transitions during connection changes, connecting comfortably |
Breath | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, breathing used to coordinate movement | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, breathing used to coordinate movement |
Sample Assessment:
Diana (Solo) |
What we’d like to see: |
What we really liked seeing: |
Foot | Activated during Basic steps | Foot placed consistently in alignment with the Frame throughout the dance |
Frame | Frame shape preserved during Bonus | Frame supported by the lats during the Basic, Corridor and Basic Turns |
Hips | Obliques being used to support each hip swing | Hips in alignment with the Frame throughout the dance |
Hands | Activated when in contact with partner’s hands, moving in coordination with your movement during Lateral | Hands steady, beautiful shapes during the Yoyo |
Head | Kept level during the Side Turn | Head orientation excellent for the Spiral Turn |
Hair | Hair position more clearly indicated |
|
Rhythm |
| Maintaining the phrasing “and, slow, quick” |
Connection | Clear transitions between during connection changes | Very comfortable connections |
Breath | Breathing used to regulate movement speed, |
|
Sample Self-testing questions:
Please list all the Open Position Traveling Movements below.
What large muscle group do we want supporting our frame?
When the hands are “activated”, will it feel like you are being “pulled towards” your partner or “kept away”?
Please draw the Level 1 flow diagram.
I’ve passed the assessment now what?!
Time to move on… to LEVEL 2!! Wahooo!!
- Mazouka Dance Company
