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 |
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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 [Ba] | Slingshot [SS] | Corridor [Co] | Side Turn [ST] |
| Rebound [RB] | Thread [Th] | Forward Turn [FT] |
Legend |
| Circular Soltinho [CS] |
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Intro |
| Yoyo [YY] |
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Level 1 |
| Bonus [Bo] |
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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 <> Slingshot <> Corridor <> ST |
Rebound / ST | Rebound <> Corridor <> ST <> Basic |
Slingshot / FT | Basic <> Slingshot <> Corridor <> FT |
Rebound / FT | Rebound <> Corridor <> FT-Basic |
Movement(s) | Movement-Specific Routines |
Thread | Basic - Basic - Rebound - Corridor - ST(Cuddle) - Thread - Corridor - ST |
Circular Soltinho | Basic - Basic - Rebound - Corridor - CS - Corridor - CS - ST |
Yoyo | Basic - Basic - Slingshot - FT - Yoyo - Rebound - Corridor - ST |
Bonus | Basic - Basic - Slingshot - Bonus - FT - Rebound - Corridor - ST |
*scroll down to the bottom of the page for diagrams of each routine
Our community doing a Brazilian Zouk flashmob at Dundas Square
Technical Concepts
BASE | Follower’s Technique | Leader’s Technique |
Foot | To have a clear connection with the floor - Active / alive (not resting) - Positioned with respect to the frame - Clearly connected to the floor - Toe-heel transition | To have a clear connection with the floor - Active / alive (not resting) - Positioned with respect to the frame - Clearly connected to the floor - Toe-heel or heel-toe transition |
Knees | To control momentum - Always soft (not hyperextended) - Two part movement: bend to move leg, extend to make contact with floor - Soften knee when upon contact with floor | To control momentum - Always soft (not hyperextended) - Two part movement: bend to move leg, extend to make contact with floor - Soften knee when upon contact with floor |
Hips | To link / coordinate the movement of the Base and Frame - Centered inside the Frame - One side of hip positioned in front or behind torso - Obliques (core) used to move limbs | To coordinate the movement of the limbs - Centered inside the Frame - One side of hip positioned in front or behind torso - Obliques (core) used to move limbs |
FRAME | Follower’s Technique | Leader’s Technique |
Head & Torso | To set the direction of movement - Clear and effective orientation that helps to facilitate movement | To set the direction of movement - Clear and effective orientation that helps to facilitate movement |
Arms & Hands | To support movement and to interact / connect with partner - Open / alive (keeping boundaries, as opposed to using the hands to pull the partner closer) - Moving in coordination with the Base - Clear and effective orientation that helps to facilitate movement | To support movement and to interact / connect with partner - Open / alive (keeping boundaries, as opposed to using the hands to pull the partner closer) - Moving in coordination with the Base - Clear and effective orientation that helps to facilitate movement of both leader and follower |
Hair | To support movement - Clear position and orientation | To support movement - Clear position and orientation |
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Rhythm & Musicality | To coordinate movement with the music - Marking the counts with the body/step - Following the phrasing “81 3, 45 7” | To coordinate movement with the music - Marking the counts with the body/steps - Following the phrasing “81 3, 45 7” |
Breath | To regulate coordinate and regulate movement | To regulate coordinate and regulate movement |
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.
DIAGRAMS
Flow Diagrams of the Basic Routines
Flow Diagrams of the Movement-Specific Routines
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.
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
