Before you go:

• Dress comfortably: Wear clothes that allow for easy movement, like loose fitting pants or leggings and a t-shirt. Opt for shoes with good support, like sneakers or dance shoes if you have them.
• Hydrate and eat a light snack: You’ll be moving around, so bring a water bottle and have a light meal beforehand to keep your energy up.
• Learn about the lead and follow roles: In Brazilian Zouk, the leader guides the follower’s movement. If you’re unsure if you want to lead or follow, then speak with the instructor. Nothing is permanent. Feel free to switch roles in your next class.
• Read about partner dance styles: Learn how Brazilian Zouk incorporates movements from almost every style of dance. We also dance Brazilian Zouk to every musical genre.

• Watch dance videos: YouTube.com/ZoukAtlanta will give you a visual reference for how far you can go with Zouk Atlanta dance classes.

At the class:

• Relax and have fun! Everyone is there to learn, so don’t worry about being perfect.
• Focus on the basics: The instructor will start with fundamental steps and techniques. Pay attention and ask questions if you’re unsure.
• It’s okay to make mistakes: We all mess up sometimes. Laugh it off and keep trying.
• Posture is key: Stand tall with relaxed shoulders and a strong core. This will improve your balance and make it easier to move with your partner.
• Concentrate on the fundamentals: Brazilian Zouk is more about smooth body movements and fluidity. Mastering the basic steps is more important than flashy moves.

• Focus on connection: Brazilian Zouk is all about connection with your partner. This isn’t romantic, but a good connection allows you to feel and respond to each other’s movements.

Afterward:

• Practice during the social: Stick around for the dance social, rotate partners, and practice a little bit.
  
• Stretch: Take a few minutes to stretch and cool down to prevent soreness.
• Practice at home: Review what you learned in class and try practicing the steps on your own. There are also many instructional dance videos online you can follow along to.
• Enjoy the process: Learning to dance takes time and practice. But the more you do it, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become.
• Practice the basic steps: The “passo básico” (basic step), “lateral” (side step), and “viradinha” (open and close) are fundamental. Practice these on your own to build muscle memory.

Most importantly, remember that dance is a fun way to express yourself, get exercise, and meet new people. You can let loose and enjoy the experience! We’ll see you this Wednesday at Zouk Atlanta!