do i need to bring a partner?

Nope. We rotate partners throughout class (learning to dance with different people is an important skill!).

However, if you want to bring a dedicated partner and only dance with them, you’re still welcome to join and skip out of the class rotation.

i have two left feet, is there any hope for me?

Of course! As instructor Nate will attest, even folks with no previous dance background (like himself) can learn Brazilian zouk :)

what should I wear?

Wear clothes that you are comfortable moving in. For your feet, you’re welcome to dance in socks or dance shoes - you want your feet to be able to turn easily on the hardwood floor, so don’t wear anything “grip-y.” No outside shoes are permitted on the dance floor.

If you’re interested in purchasing some dedicated dance shoes, jazz shoes like these are a popular affordable option. If you want to spend a bit more on “cool” dance shoes you see many people wearing at socials, the two most popular brands are Taygras and Fuegos. Latin dance heels are also welcome, but admittedly less common.

should be a “leader” or “follower?”

It’s totally up to you! Regardless of your chosen gender identity, you can choose whichever role you’d like when it comes to Brazilian zouk. Some dancers even choose to learn how to lead AND follow, and will even practice “switch” dancing with another switch dancer, both taking turns leading and following during a single song.

Do i have to do the weird head stuff? (or phrased another way… “WHen do i get to learn all the cool flowy hair things?”)

“Head movement” is an advanced zouk concept that we don’t introduce until the Intermediate-level (“Beyond Fundamentals”) classes so that it can be practiced safely and comfortably.

Tuesday nights don’t work for my schedule :( where else can i learn?

Here in Minneapolis we’re lucky to have a large and supportive zouk community, including several instructors! Check the Zouk Minneapolis website for a schedule of all the weekly zouk classes, socials, and other special events (like workshops!) happening in the Twin Cities.

I still have questions!

Hit us up - you can contact us here. We respond to all messages within 48 hours.