Bazilian Zouk came to Europe very early. In the Netherlands, it was first introduced (in the early 2000s). In Mallorca, Spain, a new Brazilian Style was already developing in the late 90s.
Traditional Zouk, Sometimes called Rio. Elements such as “Bonus”, “Viradinha”, and precise basics are the components of Traditional Zouk, together with highly refined and standardized basics plus styling. Very linear in shape while traveling on the floor, but can be circular too.
Neo Zouk: Constant circular movements with hight control of dissociations and constant corporal contact, but also constant creation. Created by Mafie Zouker, and his ex-dance partner, Ruanita Santos – who is now based in Amsterdam where she runs a dance school. Mafie’s dance style is characterized by no fixed dance pattern elements, but rather contact technique and flow. From the perspective of how the human body works.
Soulzouk: Is basically a school a group of people – dance teachers and dancers brought by China Soulzoul and his former partner Luciana Guinle, rather than a sub-style. Dance among Soulzoukers can be very individual, for instance in the musicality aspect. Also based in biomechanics, and concepts/techniques such as “follow the lady”, “hip leading” and “creative chaos” rather than fixed pattern elements, but also some elements from Traditional Zouk can be seen as Soulzouk versions.
Zouk Flow: A Hip Hop inspired Zouk Style created by Arkkanjo (his DJ and teacher name), together with Diana Wercker. Urban, street style with
MZouk. The only Brazilian Zouk style that was created outside Brazil, and parallel to the development of the rest of it. Created in the Island of Mallorca, by Capoeira Mestre Gegê, and later developed by his students: the siblings Daniel and Leticia Estévez. Mzouk possesses a highly defined set of basics, that totally differ from the rest of the styles. Mzouk is also more concept based rather with a fixed set of elements, with a set of movements like the Pendulo, the Spiral and the Cambré forward that are very characteristic for this style.
What is the difference between these substyles? Well, you have to ask the creators maybe. From their point of view and their intention. From the observer’s point of view, you can say for instance, that you rarely see Mafie Zouker or Arkkanjo leading body movements from the hip, but you see for example Rio people and the Solzoukers doing so.
Sources
WEB PAGES
- Rio Zouk Style Academy (2017-10)
BOOKS
- Mzouk, Mi pequeño gran mundo (Daniel Estevez).
Zouk in Stockholm 