5 basic steps of ZOUK for beginners

If you've come this far it's because you want to know how to dance zouk and above all because you want to learn some steps of initiation to start dancing Zouk, right?

In fact, Zouk is one of the dance styles that is gaining popularity and more and more schools are offering zouk classes and lambazouk classes and places where you can go to dance to this sensual and characteristic music.

The style of music originated in the French Antilles and was opened to the public in the 1980s. However, to date it has already reached different parts of the world and is usually danced in most European countries.

If you are a lover of sensual music and you dare to discover yourself with a new style of dance the Zouk is for you!

In this post we are going to show you 5 basic steps to start dancing Zouk (although they are not the only ones) but they will help you to get a good base.

You ready to go?

Image Source Berg Chabot

But first... How do you dance the Zouk?

In case you didn't know, the Zouk is a dance style that has 3 rhythms and is danced in pairs. It is characterized by its smooth, very sensual movements, and stands out for the twists and turns of the girl's head.

As in all couples' dances, the man is the one who guides the woman in her movements, and she simply has to let herself go and flow through the music.

However, as it is already very common nowadays, and there is no rule that determines who dances with whom, any combination of couples can be observed on the dance floor. Women carrying women, men carrying men with men and vice versa. The point is to be able to dance and enjoy!

Step 1 - Basic Zouk step

The basic step of the Zouk has a rhythm of 3 steps that can be danced in the 1 or 3. The first step is the main and the most prominent, and the two prominent steps are marked in small.

The man will always mark the step forward and the woman will always mark the step back and vice versa.

It is very important to have a clear rhythm and to integrate it. When you start to dance a style it is always recommended to do the foot counts, however, we also recommend to feel the music to combine it with the basic steps, so that it is not so automated and is more fluid.

Step 2 – "El Corredor"

This step allows us to combine the basic Zouk step with another combination of movements to change the position with our partner.

It is very important to stay well connected with the couple, especially holding hands to notice how the guide sets the pace.

The steps of the corridor feet are: open, position and cross, and so on from right to left.

You dare to try it?

Below is a video explaining the steps very clearly. The easiest way to learn is by practicing!

Step 3 – Turning with setbacks

This step would be a combination of the runner's step and the turn, which is why it is called a twist with a setback. However, this step is a little more complete as the woman can also put the detail of the head.

The count is always the same, 1, 2 and 3 are marked side to side. To combine this step, first mark the basic step and in the second count the woman turns. Keep in mind that you also have to put in the detail of the head, so you have to learn it step by step.

I start the feet with the turn and the figure of the bodies, and once these steps are assimilated add the head movement, which gives it an incredible touch.

Watch the video below to practice it with your partner!

Step 4 – Zouk ripples

In the Zouk dance it is very important to know how to make waves as they are used very often during the dance. Besides giving it a very sensual touch.

Did you know that the best way to learn to make waves is with the wall or with a mirror?

And if! It may sound a little weird, but if you look at the video we've shared below, it's the best way to do it.

Waves can be made in two ways, starting at the top (head) or from the bottom of the body (knees).

If we start the wave from the head, the key is to take out each part of the body naturally and in a chained way (head, neck, shoulders, back, pelvis, legs, knees) and until we reach the end. If the wave starts from the bottom it's the same but the other way around.

So, you know, start practicing the waves at home so that they come out more fluidly little by little!

As you can see in the video in pairs, the two dancers make the wave and their bodies collide with each other forming an asymmetrical wave visually. A very nice effect visually and fun to run once you master it.

Tutorial on how to make waves

Remember to activate the subtitles in your language.

Zouk waves in pairs

Remember to activate the subtitles in your language.

Step 5 - Head movement

Finally, we would like to highlight the head technique (especially for women), as it is performed continuously during the Zouk dance.

The movement of the head has to be practiced little by little so that it is done in a natural way.

Message for the girls: be very careful with the head movements, and above all do some good stretches before dancing Zouk. We don't want anyone to get hurt!

Now you know, if you're looking for a very sensual dance style like Bachata, Salsa or Tango, Zouk is your style.

Dare to dance the dance style that is slowly gaining popularity in dance schools and in the ballrooms.

What are you waiting for when you find the nearest zouk school in your area and start dancing.

Feel free to share your first experience dancing Zouk with us. We'd love to hear from you!

What made you want to learn to zouk?

Tell us the reason in the comments, we'd love to hear your story. Thank you! Thank you!