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Newcomer Promo: Sign up for our Level 1 course, bring a friend FREE!

The Free Zouk Project: For All Learners

Starting in 2025, we’re introducing the Free Zouk Project: enjoy an absolutely FREE technique-based drop-in class. Each week covers a core concept designed to be accessible for all levels, and will include a combination of solo drills and partner work. As this is a drop-in class, the topic is not progressive and does not require a weekly commitment.

This program is for you if:

  • You have a limited (or no) budget
  • You are a non-dancer looking to try something new
  • You are Zouk-curious, but not ready for a commitment
  • You can’t commit to a progressive series
  • You like a low-stress environment at an accessible pace

Important Details:

  • Time: 6-7 p.m. every Sunday at the dZouk Studio
  • For the free class, you MUST arrive no later than 6:05 p.m.
  • Late Arrival Fee: $15+HST (Can still take the class, space permitting)
  • Entry includes the Zouk in Toronto Sunday Social
  • 20 spaces per week – register in advance to secure your spot

Free Zouk Program FAQ

Do I need a partner?

You do not need to bring a partner or need any dance experience. In Brazilian Zouk, we rotate partners both in class and at social dances. A couple can attend together and opt out of rotating, but we find it’s easier to make friends and learn by dancing with different people.

Do I need dance experience?

Nope! All dance levels are welcome – including never-ever dancers. The program is designed to be as accessible as possible for all levels.

What should I bring?

Bring a water bottle and indoor shoes (preferably not too grippy). Since you’ll be touching other people, please make sure to shower, wear clean clothing, and freshen up your mouth before coming to class. If you forget deodorant, we have spray-on ones you can use in each change room, as well as a supply of mints.

Will I be bored if I’m an experienced dancer?

We certainly hope not! The Free Zouk Project is designed to incorporate both a weekly pattern, as well as technique work to challenge all levels of dancers. It’s designed to be a cost-barrier-free way for anyone to engage with and learn Brazilian Zouk at their own pace. If you’re looking for a more committed, progressive experience, you may prefer one of our Progressive Courses or Social Dance Training Teams.

Our Progressive Courses: For Structured Education

Our progressive classes run on four-week cycles, each of which build on the weeks before to hone your technique, connection, and dance vocabulary. If you’re looking for a structured education program with relatively flexible commitment, this is a great option that provides more consistency and in-depth training than a drop-in without the full commitment of a training team.

While each cycle can be taken independently, concepts change from cycle to cycle. That means that if you take multiple cycles of Level 2, you’ll still be learning fresh content – or new ways to apply content you’ve previously been exposed to. For Levels 3 and 4, an instructor assessment is necessary.

Why This Course?

  • Progressive classes tailored to your level
  • Individualized guidance and feedback from instructors
  • Structured to increase growth speed
  • A faster learning pace than the Free Zouk Project

Important Details:

  • One-Cycle Price: $110 (for Level 1, bring a friend free!), 4 classes (Typically, start of month – but check schedule for exact dates)
  • Subscription: $160/month (min. 2 months): 2 Wednesday classes per week (at your level) & FREE Sunday Social access (a $260 value).
  • Bring indoor shoes and a water bottle (no baby powder on the floors, please).
  • Levels 1 & 2 are taught in the Ebb & Flow Yoga Studio on the 3rd floor, directly below the dZouk 4th floor studio. Levels 3 & 4 are taught in our 4th floor space.

Level 1: Absolute Beginner Curriculum & Concepts

  • History & Etiquette
  • Basic Step & Weight Transfer
  • Viradinha & Lateral
  • Yo-Yo & Simple Turn
  • Simple Wave
  • Connection & Hold

Level 2: Beginner Curriculum & Concepts

  • Extensions of Level 1 concepts, plus…
  • Raul & Chicote (“Hair Flick”)
  • Undulations & Isolations
  • Patinha & Bonus
  • Gostosinho & Rotation
  • Soltinho (Linear, Circular & Square variations)
  • Turn & Frame Technique
  • Basic “Wifi” Technique

Level 3: Improver Curriculum & Concepts

  • Extensions of Level 2 concepts, plus…
  • Cambret & Mergulho (Dips & Dives)
  • Isolations & Undulations with displacement
  • Head Movement Foundations
  • Foundations of Musical Phrasing
  • Contact Connection

Level 4: Intermediate Curriculum & Concepts

  • Extensions of Level 3 concepts, plus…
  • Frango Asado & Horizontal Axis
  • Head Movement with Displacement
  • Musical Phrasing & Movement Contrast
  • Intermediate + Variations
  • Special Movements (e.g., Counterbalance, One-Footed Spins, etc.)

Progressive Course FAQ

Do I need a partner?

You do not need to bring a partner for any level. In Brazilian Zouk, we rotate partners both in class and at social dances. A couple can attend together and opt out of rotating, but we find it’s easier to make friends and learn by dancing with different people.

Where do I start? Do I need dance experience?

Brand-new dancers should start at Level 1; experienced dancers of other genres may wish to take Level 1 and 2 concurrently. We recommend everyone does Level 1 at least once. If you’re new to dancing, we recommend taking it a few times to give your body time to absorb the basic movements.

When do I move to the next level?

We have an assessment system of advancement after our Level 2 classes. This means that to enter Level 3 and beyond, you will need to demonstrate to the instructor that you have internalized the skills needed to enter the level. Depending on the amount of dance experience you have, how often you practice, and how much social dancing you do, you will progress through the levels at your own pace, guided by your instructors. They will let you know what areas you need to work on, and provide suggestions and pathways to master those skills. We also recommend that once you move up a level, you continue to take your previous level.

You can expect to spend (on average) the following amount of time in each level:

  • Level 1: 2-4 months
  • Level 2: 4-6 months
  • Level 3: 8-12 months
  • Level 4: 6-10 months

Won’t it be repetitive if I do the course multiple times?

While some movements may repeat over time in each level, you’ll learn different variations and approaches by taking a course several times. Plus, you’ll need to take a course multiple times before you’re even exposed to all the concepts for that level! This means that even “retaking” a class means you’ll be learning new content each time, while having more time to internalize key concepts.

We use this approach because most people need multiple exposures to a technique or concept in order to be able to internalize it. Think of it like having a certain amount of brain “resolution”. The first time you learn something, you may be able to see enough pixels for the general idea. As you refine your knowledge, you’ll be able to see the movement with higher and higher resolution – until you really get the full picture.

What should I bring?

Bring a water bottle and indoor shoes (preferably not too grippy). Since you’ll be touching other people, please make sure to shower, wear clean clothing, and freshen up your mouth before coming to class. If you forget deodorant, we have spray-on ones you can use in each change room, as well as a supply of mints.

Social Dance Training Teams: For Avid Dancers

Our Training Teams are for dancers who want to commit to learning and improving in Brazilian Zouk in a focused, small-group environment. With two levels (Improver-Intermediate, and Intermediate-Advanced), these are for the dancers who like to nerd out on the details and get nitty-gritty about Zouk technique.

Important Details:

  • For: Hardcore learners who want to fast-track their Zouk and commit to a more intensive learning experience.
  • FREE Sunday Social & Wednesday class access.
  • Full Course: Paid monthly at $250 per month. You must commit for the full course (typically 3-5 months).
  • By instructor approval only. Limited spaces.

Social Dance Training Team FAQ

Do I need a partner?

No, but these classes are role-balanced.

What happens if I miss a week?

If you miss a week, that’s okay. We expect that over several months, most students will miss a class here and there. If you have travel plans that will last more than 2 weeks or may need to take a month off, please talk with us before registering.

If I have to stop early, can I cancel the payments?

When you commit to this course, we are relying on you to be present throughout the program. This course is paid in instalments – it’s not a subscription. That means a three month course is $750, but paid in $250 chunks. While we may take into account individual circumstances, you will be expected to pay to the end of the semester unless another dancer of a similar level in the same role can take over the remainder of your enrolment. It’s at our discretion whether an individual meets these requirements.  

What makes this course different than a progressive series?

Unlike the progressive series, each class in a training team is 2 hours long and involves a lot of technique-based exercises. These courses also dive into concepts beyond what you’ll find in a standard progressive series. In general, think of these courses as geared towards a “dance nerd” mentality: people who want to really work on their dance beyond the level of a once-a-week hobby.

Most students in training teams attend classes at least twice a week (Wednesdays and their training team day). Some attend three courses a week (adding Sundays).