Dance Styles

rioairHistory: Brazilian Zouk is an adaptation of the Lambada dance which originated in the north of Brazil and the name derives from it being a Brazilian dance which has evolved with the French Caribbean Zouk music.
The dance itself it completely different from ‘Zouk’ which is a French Caribbean dance and requires partners to dance very closely, slowly, sensually and in unison, hence the name of our dance is 'Brazilian Zouk'.

saz daviThe fact that the dance was being danced with music which was slower, with more pauses and changes in rhythm which hadn't existed in Lambada music allowed the dance to evolve, becoming more sensual, fluid and beautiful. The movements are gentler with visual influences from other dances and music and high value placed on the connection between partners.

Check out a track by one of our regular DJs

brazil History:Samba Gafiera (also called Gafieira) is from Rio de Janeiro and is danced with a partner to Brazilian samba music. The term Gafieira was Brazilian Portuguese slang meaning "low dancing resort” or "dance festivity frequented by the populace"!

sdgSamba roots can be found in other famous Brazilian music genres such as Pagode and Bossa Nova. The Bossa Nova, a mixture of samba and jazz was launched in Brazil just after World War II and quickly make its way to America and other parts of the world. Tom Jobim is the most recognized name from this period. His most famous song is Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema). Try out our samba classes in London!

Rio-de-Janeiro-BrazilHistory: Exuberant and sensual, Samba is one of the most popular music styles in Brazil. Originating in Rio de Janeiro the dance has evolved with Brazil’s diverse cultural identity and the unique and contagious rhythm has spread rapidly around the world.

samba image 01Its popularity is due to its superb, energetic beats and the beauty of the dance and the pulsating music. Few people are unaware of the colourful and exciting Brazilian Carnival when all the samba schools and communities in Brazil work together to display spectacular carnival parades.