Popular Brazilian Dances Taught Throughout the Boston Area at Moves and Vibes of Cambridge

By Kelly Church

Moves and Vibes is on a mission to make the art of Brazilian dance more prominent in Cambridge, MA. The dance studio teaches zouk, kizomba, samba, forro and bachata, all considered popular styles of dance in Brazil. Director Inna Grant says these dance styles are fun, social dances. Each of these unique, Latin-based dances are adapted from their various origins.

Zouk, originating in Martinique and Guadalupe in the 1980s, is similar to the lambada dance. When zouk moved into Brazil, it was greatly embraced by lambada dancers. They adapted it, making zouk slower and more sensual. Once the style of dance is learned, it can be performed to any type of music, even hip hop, pop and dub step. Moves and Vibes teaches beginners zouk classes at 7 p.m. every Monday.

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Kizomba is a slow, romantic dance that came from Angola, integrating the semba, tango and zouk styles of dance. It has its own music (originally modeled after zouk music) and is traditionally sung in Portugese. This partner dance has simple steps that are easy to learn. Beginner Kizomba classes are taught every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.

The forro is the most popular dance in northeast Brazil and resembles salsa dancing. Forro music typically only uses three instruments: the accordion, zabumba and triangle. Forro classes for beginners are held at Moves and Vibes at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The bachata is from the Dominican Republic, but is danced all over the world. It has elements of Cuban dance movements and is taught at Moves and Vibes in a five-week series. It is also taught Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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One of the most popular Latin dances all over the world, the samba is taught at Moves and Vibes to all levels, with and without partners. This ballroom dance pulls from all different forms of Brazilian dance to form the samba de gafieira. All students start as beginners at Moves and Vibes, and gradually advance as they improve technique.

Drop-in classes at Moves and Dance cost $15, however they can also be purchased in sets of five and ten. Beginners can take advantage of a special offer: an unlimited dance membership for $110 per month. Dancers can also take private lessons at the studio, and prep for wedding dances.

Most importantly, they organize an Annual Boston Brazil Fusion Festival that brings famous dancers from all over the world to Boston. Be sure to check it out! Details can be found here: www.brazildancefest.net.

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