ZOUK: FUN AND SEXY
You know the movie “Dirty Dancing”? Zouk is based on the sensual style of dance called “Lambada”. Once you learn this versatile style it can be danced to all different types of music from hip hop, pop, dub step or reggaeton.
Zouk originally came from Martinique and Guadalupe in the mid 80’s. In the mid 90’s the music found its way to Brazil where it was embraced by Lambada community. By that time, Lambada had been losing its popularity.
As Lambada dancers began to incorporate Zouk into their dancing, the dance began to change, becoming slower and more sensual. Zouk has since spread throughout Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. It has only recently arrived on these shores. Zouk is a beautiful and sensual dance – once you start u never want to stop! Don’t miss it!
Beginner Zouk is at 8pm on Mondays and Intermediate Zouk/Team Practice is a 9pm on Mondays.
KIZOMBA: BASIC AND ACCESSIBLE
Kizomba is both a style of dance and a style of music. The kizomba is a sensual partner dance developed in Angola from the late 1980′s to early 1990′s. It is a fusion of Semba (the predecessor of samba), Tango, and Zouk (from the French Caribbean Islands). Kizomba music is derived directly from Zouk music and is sung, generally, in Portuguese. It is a romantic genre of music mixed with African rhythm.
Kizomba’s popularity is growing rapidly in Europe, and other parts of the world. It is finally taking over the west and east coast of the US. For those who have never danced, Kizomba is easily accessible. The basics are simple. For those who are currently dancing partner dances such as salsa, bachata, and merengue, Kizomba is a breath of fresh air. You’ll find it comfortable to slip into, and challenging enough to keep you dancing it for years to come.
Beginner Kizomba is at 7pm on Thursdays and Intermediate Kizomba is at 8pm on Thursdays.
FORRO: TRADITIONAL AND POPULAR
Forró is the most popular dance in Brazil’s
Northeast. Traditionally forro music uses only 3 instruments, an accordion, zabumba and a metal triangle. The dance form is constantly changing and evolving. Forro & salsa have a lot in common – from the pause on the 4 and the 8 count to the complex turn patterns, from the focus on musicality to the sensual connection between the man and the woman. Come and experience Brazilian forro at Benfica! Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You do not need to bring a partner to sign up for this class, and be prepared to change partners.
Forro classes are available at 8:00pm at the Samba Bar in Somerville.
